Europe Condemns Trump Tariffs Over Greenland Dispute/ newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Trump’s threat of tariffs on U.S. allies over Greenland provoked a strong European response. Eight nations denounced the move, warning it risks transatlantic unity and global security. Tensions rise as Europe reaffirms sovereignty, NATO cohesion, and economic retaliation readiness.
Greenland Tariff Tensions: Quick Looks
- Trump announces 10% tariffs on eight European allies over Greenland opposition.
- Denmark, Germany, UK, France, and others warn of “dangerous downward spiral.”
- European nations reaffirm support for Denmark and Greenland’s territorial integrity.
- EU leaders threaten defensive measures if coerced through tariffs.
- Trump insists U.S. must control Greenland for missile defense strategy.
- NATO leaders and EU officials call for unity amid growing rift.
- British PM Starmer warns that trade war benefits no one.
- Trump criticized at home and abroad, including by Mike Pence.
- EU, Denmark, and Greenland meet NATO leaders in Brussels for talks.
- Trump’s threats unite European leaders across political spectrum against him.
Deep Look
Europe Denounces Trump’s Greenland Tariff Threat, Warns of Alliance Breakdown
BERLIN — A major diplomatic rupture is deepening across the Atlantic after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose sweeping 10% tariffs on goods from eight European countries. The reason: their opposition to Trump’s renewed campaign to bring Greenland under American control.
In a rare and unified response issued Sunday, European leaders from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland slammed Trump’s move as a direct threat to transatlantic unity and warned it risks plunging allied relations into a “dangerous downward spiral.”
Their joint statement emphasized that the deployment of troops to Greenland — a symbolic military training operation dubbed “Arctic Endurance” — was not a provocation, but part of longstanding Arctic defense cooperation.
“We stand in full solidarity with the Kingdom of Denmark and the people of Greenland,” the group declared, defending the island’s autonomy and Denmark’s sovereignty.
U.S. Pressure on NATO Allies Sparks Rebellion
Trump’s Saturday tariff announcement came just a day before European Union leaders held emergency talks to address what they see as economic blackmail. EU Council President Antonio Costa warned that “tariffs would undermine transatlantic relations and are incompatible with the EU-U.S. trade agreement.” He pledged the bloc’s readiness “to defend ourselves against any form of coercion.”
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide stated flatly that “those types of threats are unacceptable between close allies,” while Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen reiterated that diplomatic dialogue would continue — “unless the U.S. decides differently.”
The threat of economic retaliation escalates tensions not only within NATO but also in global markets. Trump claims Denmark has failed to protect Greenland from Russian and Chinese interest and insists U.S. control of the island is now a matter of national security.
“Now it is time, and it will be done!!!” Trump posted Sunday on his social media platform.
Greenland as the New Geopolitical Flashpoint
Greenland, a vast Arctic territory with strategic value due to its location and resources, is officially part of the Kingdom of Denmark but holds self-governing status. Trump has long eyed the island, previously floating the idea of purchasing it. This time, his push appears far more aggressive — and backed by threats of military and economic pressure.
Former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, speaking on CNN, acknowledged supporting American control over Greenland in principle but strongly condemned Trump’s method.
“This threatens to fracture our relationship not just with Denmark but with all our NATO allies,” Pence warned.
Even Trump’s populist allies in Europe pushed back. Italy’s right-wing Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the tariff move as “a mistake,” while France’s Jordan Bardella accused Trump of “commercial blackmail.”
UK and EU Leaders Push for De-escalation
In London, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Trump’s threat was “completely wrong” and that a trade war serves no one’s interest. While reaffirming the U.K.’s alliance with the U.S., Starmer emphasized the importance of standing by principles of sovereignty and mutual respect within NATO. He clarified that retaliatory tariffs were not being considered — “yet.”
“Being pragmatic does not mean being passive, and partnership does not mean abandoning principles,” Starmer said.
Starmer’s comments came after talks with Trump, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. A planned summit of EU leaders is expected this week, where potential responses — including counter-tariffs — will be discussed.
Domestic and NATO Blowback Grows
Domestically, criticism of Trump’s stance is also mounting. U.S. Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona called the move “dangerous,” warning it isolates America.
“Troops from European countries are arriving in Greenland to defend the territory from us. Let that sink in,” he said.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, under pressure for sidestepping the issue, confirmed he spoke with Trump and will meet with Danish and Greenlandic officials in Brussels this week. The goal: to prevent the dispute from erupting into a full-blown alliance crisis.
Rasmus Søndergaard, senior researcher at the Danish Institute for International Studies, called Trump’s action “unprecedented,” adding, “This isn’t about trade anymore. It’s about territory — and coercion among allies.”
Even cultural moments reflected the strain. During a London NBA game, a heckler shouted “leave Greenland alone!” during the national anthem — drawing scattered applause, a symbol of public resistance to the growing geopolitical drama.
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