London(The COW News Digital)European countries have firmly rejected former US President Donald Trump’s threats to impose trade tariffs over opposition to a proposed American takeover of Greenland, escalating tensions between Washington and its traditional allies.
Leaders across Europe described the tariff warnings as unacceptable pressure tactics and reiterated that Greenland’s future cannot be decided through coercion or economic blackmail. The controversy follows Trump’s renewed remarks suggesting that the United States has strategic and economic interests in Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, and that countries opposing such ambitions could face punitive trade measures.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer criticized the use of tariffs against allies, calling it a misguided approach that undermines long-standing transatlantic partnerships. UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper echoed this stance, stating that Greenland’s future is a matter solely for the people of Greenland and the Danish government, not external powers.
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Denmark responded sharply to the remarks. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said Europe would not bow to threats, while the country’s foreign minister stressed that Greenland cannot be controlled through intimidation. He further warned that any US military action related to Greenland would have serious consequences for NATO, potentially destabilizing the alliance itself.
France, Germany, and Norway joined Denmark in condemning the threats, with officials describing Trump’s statements as a form of political blackmail. European leaders emphasized that sovereignty, international law, and the will of local populations must be respected in any discussion concerning Greenland.
In response to the growing tensions, the European Union has called an emergency meeting to coordinate a unified position. Diplomats say the bloc is prepared to defend its economic interests and political principles if tariff measures are imposed.
Trump recently announced plans to levy a 10 percent tariff on all goods imported from several European countries starting February 1, with the rate set to rise to 25 percent by June 1. The countries named include the United Kingdom, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Finland. In a subsequent statement, Trump reiterated that he would stand “100 percent” by his decision and warned that any continued opposition over Greenland would trigger the tariffs.
The dispute has highlighted growing strains in US-European relations and raised concerns about the future of cooperation on security and trade. European officials maintain that dialogue, not threats, remains the only acceptable path forward.
