European and Nordic countries targeted by US President Donald Trump’s threatened tariffs over their opposition to American designs on Greenland have pledged to stand united, warning that the moves could undermine transatlantic relations.
In a joint statement, Britain, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden condemned the tariff threat, saying it “undermine[s] transatlantic relations and risk[s] a dangerous downward spiral.” The countries emphasized their commitment to coordinated action and to upholding national sovereignty.
Trump’s announcement, posted on his social media platform Truth Social, said that from 1 February, the eight countries would face a 10% tariff on all goods sent to the United States. He added that the tariffs would rise to 25% on 1 June unless the countries agreed to allow the United States to purchase Greenland.
“These countries, who are playing this very dangerous game, have put a level of risk in play that is not tenable or sustainable,” Trump wrote, framing the tariffs as necessary “to protect Global Peace and Security.”
The announcement prompted an emergency meeting of EU ambassadors, convened by Cyprus, which holds the EU’s rotating presidency. EU diplomats said the meeting was scheduled for late Wednesday afternoon to coordinate a response. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that the threatened tariffs could trigger a “dangerous downward spiral” and reiterated that Europe would remain united in defending its interests.
Several European leaders spoke out individually against the US move. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the threat, calling it “completely wrong” to apply tariffs on allies for pursuing NATO collective security. French President Emmanuel Macron described the threat as unacceptable and vowed that Europe would respond in a coordinated manner. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni echoed the sentiment, calling the tariffs plan “a mistake” and saying she had communicated her concerns directly to Trump.
Analysts caution that Trump’s announcement could complicate existing trade arrangements. Tentative deals struck last year with the EU and the UK, which included baseline levies of 15% on European imports and 10% on most British goods, could be undermined. William Reinsch, a trade expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, noted that treating some EU countries differently from others could persuade the European Parliament to question the value of approving future trade agreements with the United States.
Trump has previously used tariffs as leverage in disputes with both allies and adversaries, including threats of 25% tariffs on countries trading with Iran during anti-government protests. Legal questions remain over whether the president has authority to impose such sweeping measures, with the US Supreme Court having heard arguments on the legality of past tariff actions.
Meanwhile, protesters in Denmark and Greenland demonstrated against the US proposals, calling for Greenland to determine its own future. NATO’s collective security pact already covers the territory, and European officials insist that Greenland’s fate should remain a matter for its residents, not an economic bargaining chip.
