EU Leaders Warn Trump’s Greenland Tariff Threat Could Strain Transatlantic Ties

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa have warned that US President Donald Trump’s tariff threat linked to the purchase of Greenland could weaken transatlantic relations.

European leaders reacted after Trump warned that if no deal is reached to buy Greenland, the United States would raise tariffs on imports from eight European countries starting February 1. Trump announced a 10 percent tariff from February 1 and a 25 percent tariff from June on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland.

European leaders cautioned that such a move would undermine relations and push them down a dangerous path. They reaffirmed that Europe will remain united in defending its sovereignty, stressing that territorial integrity and sovereignty are fundamental principles of international law.

Greenland is an autonomous territory under the Kingdom of Denmark, with Copenhagen responsible for its defense and foreign policy.