Donald Trump has been criticized by the UK and other European nations for his threats of imposing tariffs if they do not agree to the sale of Greenland. The countries singled out in Trump’s tariff threat on Truth Social have issued a joint statement condemning his tactics in relation to Denmark and Greenland.
Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the UK emphasized their commitment to Arctic security as NATO members. They expressed full solidarity with Denmark and Greenland, rejecting Trump’s tariff threats and emphasizing the importance of upholding sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The eight countries are facing potential tariffs on exports to the US, starting at 10% on February 1 and escalating to 25% in June if Trump’s demands regarding Greenland are not met. Trump, in a statement on Truth Social, warned of the risks involved in the situation and called for strong measures to protect global peace and security.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson have all condemned the tariff move and expressed their determination not to be swayed by intimidation or blackmail.
Despite escalating pressure from the US regarding Greenland, reports indicate that the affected countries were caught off guard by the developments. The UK confirmed sending a military officer to Greenland at Denmark’s request for an upcoming Arctic exercise but denied it being a full-scale deployment.
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and European Council president Antonio Costa affirmed that the Danish military exercise poses no threat and cautioned that tariffs could lead to a negative impact on transatlantic relations.