European Leaders Condemn Trump’s Tariff Threat Over Greenland

Sun Jan 18 2026 02:02:37 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Recent remarks by President Trump proposing tariffs on eight European allies opposing his Greenland acquisition plans have provoked a strong backlash from leaders across Europe, who deem the move 'unacceptable'.

Following President Trump's threats to impose tariffs on several European nations over their opposition to U.S. interest in Greenland, European leaders, including the UK Prime Minister and French President, have voiced their disapproval. The tariffs, which could affect exports from Denmark, Norway, and others until a deal is made for Greenland's purchase, have incited protests in Greenland and Denmark, emphasizing the need for self-determination. A united front from European leaders insists on collaborative security efforts in the Arctic and rejects coercive measures that undermine international law.

A threat by President Donald Trump to impose fresh tariffs on eight allies opposed to his proposed takeover of Greenland has drawn condemnation from European leaders.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the move was completely wrong while French President Emmanuel Macron called it unacceptable. Swedish PM Ulf Kristersson stated: We won't let ourselves be blackmailed. The comments followed Trump's announcement of a 10% tariff on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands and Finland, set to commence on February 1st, with a possibility of an increase to 25% until a deal for Greenland is reached.

Trump insists that Greenland, a Danish territory, is crucial to U.S. security, and has not ruled out the use of force. Protests erupted in Greenland and Denmark against the proposed U.S. takeover, reflecting local disapproval of Trump's plans, with public opinion polls indicating that 85% of Greenlanders oppose joining the U.S.

European countries, including Denmark, have countered Trump's tariffs, emphasizing that the security of the Arctic should be addressed collectively within NATO. Danish foreign minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen expressed surprise at Trump's tariff threats, as recent diplomatic initiatives aimed to foster cooperation rather than confrontation.

Demonstrations took place in Danish cities and Nuuk, where protestors displayed messages calling for respect for Greenland's identity and self-determination. The heightened tensions over this geopolitical issue underline the complexities surrounding U.S. interests in the Arctic region and the resistance from its European allies.