European Leaders Reject Trump’s Greenland Tariff Threat As “Unacceptable”

European leaders have strongly criticised US President Donald Trump after he threatened to impose new tariffs on eight allied countries over their opposition to his proposed takeover of Greenland. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the move as “completely wrong,” while French President Emmanuel Macron called it “unacceptable,” as tensions rose across Europe following the announcement.

Trump said a 10% tariff on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland would take effect on 1 February, with the possibility of rising to 25% unless a deal is reached. He maintains that Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory, is vital to US security and has not ruled out using force. In response, the European Union called an emergency meeting of ambassadors from its 27 member states, while protests erupted in Greenland and Denmark against the proposed takeover.

Greenland, though sparsely populated, is rich in natural resources and occupies a strategic position between North America and the Arctic, making it important for defence and surveillance. Trump has previously said the US would obtain the territory “the easy way” or “the hard way,” a stance that has prompted European nations to rally behind Denmark, arguing Arctic security should remain a collective Nato responsibility.

Several European countries, including France, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Finland, the Netherlands, and the UK, have sent small troop contingents to Greenland on a reconnaissance mission. Announcing the tariffs on Truth Social, Trump accused the countries of playing “a very dangerous game,” claiming the issue involved the “Safety, Security, and Survival of our Planet.”

Responding to the threat, Starmer said: “Applying tariffs on allies for pursuing the collective security of Nato allies is completely wrong. We will of course be pursuing this directly with the US administration.” UK opposition figures also condemned the move, with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch calling it a “terrible idea,” while Reform UK’s Nigel Farage said the tariffs “will hurt us.”

Across Europe, leaders echoed similar concerns. Macron stated: “Tariff threats are unacceptable in this context… We will not be swayed by any intimidation.” Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson added: “We won’t let ourselves be blackmailed,” noting that Sweden was holding intensive talks with EU partners, Norway, and the UK to form a joint response.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that “Territorial integrity and sovereignty are fundamental principles of international law,” adding that “Tariffs would undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral.” EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas remarked that “China and Russia must be having a field day,” saying divisions among allies only benefit rivals.

The escalating dispute has also raised questions about the future of the EU-US trade deal negotiated last year. German MEP Manfred Weber said Trump’s threats made approval impossible for now, stating: “The EPP is in favour of the EU-US trade deal, but given Donald Trump’s threats regarding Greenland, approval is not possible at this stage.”

Despite European opposition, US ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz defended Washington’s position, saying Denmark lacked the resources to manage the region and that Greenlanders would be “safer, stronger and more prosperous under the umbrella of the United States.”

Trump’s tariff announcement marks a sharp escalation in his renewed push to acquire Greenland, straining relations with key Nato allies and trading partners. With opinion polls showing 85% of Greenlanders oppose joining the US, protests continue in both Greenland and Denmark, with demonstrators carrying signs reading “Hands Off Greenland” and “Greenland is not for sale.”