Europe Shakes Off Conciliation as Trump Targets Greenland

Tue Jan 20 2026 09:33:14 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Confronted with Donald Trump's aggressive stance on Greenland, Europe is shifting its diplomatic approach, adopting a tougher stance amidst growing tensions over security and trade.

Europe's leaders are reassessing their diplomatic strategies as Donald Trump openly insists on the United States' need for Greenland, with implications for transatlantic relations. Amid threats of tariffs, European officials vow to counteract what they perceive as bullying tactics. The situation raises questions about the security guarantees provided by the U.S. and Europe's unity in the face of potential economic repercussions.

Europe Shakes Off Conciliation as Trump Targets Greenland

Reported by Katya Adler, Europe Editor | 3 hours ago

Something in Europe has snapped. Donald Trump doubled down again on Monday, insisting that the US needs Greenland for national security reasons.

When pressed about the possibility of using force to seize the territory, Trump replied with a chilling No comment, heightening anxiety among Greenland's inhabitants.

Greenland operates as a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, which belongs to the EU and NATO. Trump is now pushing Denmark's allies in these organizations to let the US control Greenland, threatening punitive tariffs on exports if they do not comply. This scenario poses a significant threat to European economies already struggling, particularly in Germany and Italy.

Germany's finance minister stated, we will not allow ourselves to be blackmailed, as calls for unity among European leaders intensify. The challenge presented by Trump has prompted a reevaluation of transatlantic relations, with an emerging consensus that the previous conciliatory approach has failed.

As European leaders prepare for discussions at the Global Economic Forum, they aim to exhibit diplomacy backed by strength. Europe is offering support to Trump in prioritizing Arctic security, urging him against unilateral actions concerning Greenland.

Should Trump proceed with so-called Greenland tariffs, the EU is contemplating significant retaliatory measures including new tariffs worth €93 billion on US goods. This has raised fears of significant economic fallout on both sides.

Despite current tensions, open lines of communication remain among European leaders and Trump. However, they acknowledge the necessity of presenting a united front, balancing domestic concerns with the pursuit of international relations.

As Europe's leaders grapple with Trump's assertiveness, the evolving nature of these transatlantic dynamics may redefine the future of US-EU relations against the backdrop of changing global power structures.