European leaders warn Trump tariffs over Greenland 'risk a dangerous downward spiral'
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In a unified response, more than seven European nations issued a joint statement on Sunday, expressing concern that recent tariff threats over Greenland could jeopardize transatlantic relations. This comes amid efforts by the U.S. administration to push its allies towards an agreement for acquiring the Arctic territory.

The statement, endorsed by Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, emphasized the countries’ dedication to bolstering Arctic security. They voiced their readiness to engage in discussions that respect sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“The imposition of tariff threats is detrimental to transatlantic ties and poses the risk of a perilous decline in relations,” the statement highlighted. “We remain united and coordinated in our response and are resolute in upholding our sovereignty.”

The members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) further declared their unwavering support for the Kingdom of Denmark and the people of Greenland.

Danish soldiers walk past a military headquarters building in Greenland’s capital.

In an image dated January 15, 2026, soldiers are seen passing the Arktisk Kommando, the Danish Armed Forces’ Arctic Command, located in Nuuk, Greenland. (Photo: Julia Wäschenbach/picture alliance via Getty Images)

The statement comes after President Donald Trump threatened on his Truth Social platform to impose a 10% tariff on the eight countries unless a deal is reached for what he called the “complete and total purchase of Greenland.”

Trump said the 10% tariff would go into effect on Feb. 2 and could rise to 25% on June 1. 

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned Trump’s post Saturday on social media.

Kristersson wrote on X that allies would not be “blackmailed.”

“Only Denmark and Greenland decide on issues concerning Denmark and Greenland,” he said, adding that other European Union (EU) countries were discussing a coordinated response.

Young demonstrators hold protest signs outside the U.S. Consulate in Nuuk to oppose foreign control of Greenland.

Young people carry placards reading “Greenland is not for sale!” during a large protest against President Donald Trump’s proposal to acquire Greenland, near the U.S. Consulate in Nuuk, Greenland, on Jan. 17, 2026. (Alessandro Rampazzo/AFP via Getty Images)

Kaja Kallas, the EU’s top diplomat, also voiced concern over Trump’s remarks, warning that Russia and China were “having a field day” and stood to benefit from divisions within NATO.

“If Greenland’s security is at risk, we can address this inside NATO. Tariffs risk making Europe and the United States poorer and undermine our shared prosperity,” she said. “We also cannot let our dispute distract us from our core task of helping to end Russia’s war against Ukraine.”

Trump has repeatedly said the United States needs Greenland, a semiautonomous Danish territory, for “national security” purposes.

Greenland’s natural resource wealth has also long-drawn strategic interest, the Center for Strategic and International Studies said in a January report, noting the territory is rich in iron ore, graphite, tungsten, palladium, vanadium, zinc, gold, uranium, copper and oil.

Colorful houses line the shoreline of a small Greenlandic village surrounded by rugged landscape.

Houses are seen in the village of Narsaq, Greenland, on June 24, 2009. (Rafael Bastante/Europa Press via Getty Images)

Greenland’s leaders, however, have firmly rejected any suggestion the territory’s future or sovereignty is open to negotiation.

Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said on Facebook Thursday that the territory is “not for sale” and will not be owned or governed by the U.S.

“Greenland does not want to be a part of the United States,” Nielsen argued.

Greenland’s prime minister walks among protesters in Nuuk opposing foreign ownership of the Arctic island.

Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen joins a mass demonstration against President Donald Trump’s proposal to acquire Greenland, in Nuuk, Greenland, on Jan. 17, 2026. (Alessandro Rampazzo/AFP via Getty Images)

Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., said the Trump administration’s efforts to “seize” the territory of an ally were “beyond stupid.”

“It hurts the legacy of President Trump and undercuts all the work he has done to strengthen the NATO alliance over the years,” Tillis said.

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