President Donald Trump’s announcement of new tariffs on eight European allies over his Greenland takeover plan has drawn sharp criticism from Europe.
Leaders from Denmark, the UK, France, and other nations insist the move undermines diplomacy and international law.
Trump revealed plans to impose a 10% tariff on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland, starting 1 February. He warned the levy could rise to 25% and remain in place until a deal is reached regarding the “complete and total purchase of Greenland.”
The U.S. president described Greenland as critical for American security, citing its location between North America and the Arctic, which is key for missile early-warning systems and maritime monitoring. Trump has suggested he could acquire Greenland “the easy way or the hard way.”
European leaders condemn move
French President Emmanuel Macron called Trump’s tariff threat “unacceptable,” while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said it was “completely wrong.” EU President Ursula von der Leyen added that the tariff undermines territorial integrity and sovereignty and damages transatlantic relations.
Sweden, Norway, Germany, Finland, and the Netherlands have voiced support for Denmark. Swedish PM Ulf Kristersson stated, “We won’t let ourselves be blackmailed,” while Norway’s Jonas Gahr Støre emphasized that threats have no place among allies. Germany sent a small reconnaissance team to Greenland to support regional security.
Public protests and Greenlandic response
Demonstrations erupted in Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, and in Danish cities, with protesters holding placards reading “Hands Off Greenland” and “Greenland for Greenlanders.” Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen joined the protests, affirming the islanders’ right to self-determination.
Opinion polls indicate that 85% of Greenlanders oppose a U.S. takeover, highlighting the unpopularity of Trump’s proposal.
German MEP Manfred Weber warned that Trump’s tariff threat could jeopardize the still-to-be-ratified EU-US trade deal. The planned 15% U.S. tariff on EU goods and 0% tariff on certain U.S. products may be put on hold due to Greenland-related tensions.
The move comes just days after U.S. and Danish officials agreed to establish a high-level working group to discuss Greenland’s future—a process Trump’s announcement now complicates.
