European leaders issued sharp responses to U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats to impose tariffs.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said Sweden would not accept pressure or coercion. The EU and the United Kingdom are preparing a coordinated response. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the proposed tariffs as “absolutely wrong,” if imposed on European countries for seeking collective security through NATO. French President Emmanuel Macron drew a hidden parallel between the threats against Greenland and ones against Ukraine. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that such tariffs would undermine European security and damage transatlantic relations.
Statements by European Leaders
“We will not allow ourselves to be blackmailed,” Kristersson stated. He emphasized that decisions concerning Denmark and Greenland can only be made by Denmark and Greenland themselves. He added that Sweden is engaged in intensive consultations with other EU member states, Norway, and the UK to develop a joint response.
Macron drew a direct parallel between pressure over Greenland and threats faced elsewhere. “No intimidation or threat will influence us, whether in Ukraine, in Greenland, or anywhere else in the world,” he said. He described tariff threats as unacceptable and said Europe would respond in a united and coordinated manner. Also, according to Macron, upholding European sovereignty is non-negotiable, and this position will guide discussions with European partners. He also reiterated that Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark and that its future is for Greenlanders and Danes to decide. Arctic security is a matter of importance for NATO as a whole, he added.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that imposing tariffs on allies “for ensuring the collective security of NATO allies is completely wrong.” He added that the UK would raise the issue directly with the U.S. administration.
Ursula von der Leyen stressed that territorial integrity and sovereignty are fundamental principles of international law and essential for Europe and the wider international community. She reaffirmed the EU’s solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland. The pre-coordinated Danish exercise conducted with allies was aimed at strengthening Arctic security and posed no threat, as she noticed. Writing on X, she pointed that tariffs would undermine transatlantic relations and risk triggering a dangerous downward spiral.
Background to the Threats
Donald Trump stated that starting on 1 February 2026, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland would face a 10 percent tariff on all goods entering the United States. He added that the tariffs would remain in place until the “purchase” of the island.
Conclusion
European leaders reacted forcefully to Trump’s tariff threats. However, the precise countermeasures remain undefined and will be the subject of imminent consultations. At the same time, Macron’s reference to Ukraine highlights a broader concern: the failure to properly punish Russia for its aggression may embolden the United States to act more decisively regarding Greenland
