‘Stand united’: EU nations facing Trump’s Greenland tariffs pledge unity, warn of ‘dangerous downward spiral’

The countries targeted by US President Donald Trump's threat of tariffs over their opposition to his designs on Greenland will "stand united" in their response, they said in a joint statement

The countries targeted by US President Donald Trump’s threatened tariffs over their opposition to his plans for Greenland have pledged to “stand united” in their response, they said in a joint statement on Sunday.

In an unusual and very strong joint statement coming from major U.S. allies said troops sent to Greenland for the Danish military training exercise “Arctic Endurance” pose “no threat to anyone.”

“We stand in full solidarity with the Kingdom of Denmark and the people of Greenland," the group said.

“Building on the process begun last week, we stand ready to engage in a dialogue based on the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity that we stand firmly behind. Tariff threats undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral.,” Britain, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden said.

“We will continue to stand united and coordinated in our response. We are committed to upholding our sovereignty,” they added.

The statement comes after Trump dramatically escalated his push to acquire the mineral-rich Arctic island, threatening several European nations with tariffs of up to 25 percent unless his goal of controlling Greenland is achieved.

Beginning 1 February 2026, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland would face a 10-percent tariff on all goods imported into the United States, Trump said on his social media platform, Truth Social. He warned that the tariff would rise to 25 percent on 1 June if no deal is reached for the “Complete and Total purchase of Greenland.”

“These Countries, who are playing this very dangerous game, have put a level of risk in play that is not tenable or sustainable,” Trump wrote. “Therefore, it is imperative that, in order to protect Global Peace and Security, strong measures be taken so that this potentially perilous situation end quickly, and without question.” He added that he was “immediately open to negotiation with Denmark and/or any of these Countries.”

European leaders reacted swiftly. Denmark called Trump’s announcement a “surprise,” while British Prime Minister Keir Starmer labelled it “completely wrong.” French President Emmanuel Macron stated: “Tariff threats are unacceptable and have no place in this context.” Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said: “We won’t let ourselves be intimidated,” adding that affected governments were coordinating a joint response. EU officials further affirmed that the bloc “stands in full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland,” with an extraordinary meeting of EU ambassadors scheduled in Brussels on Sunday. Greenlandic Minister Naaja Nathanielsen praised the reaction, saying she was “thankful and hopeful for diplomacy and allieship to prevail.”

Protests have erupted across Greenland and Denmark. In Nuuk, thousands, including Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, marched waving Greenlandic flags, chanting slogans, and singing traditional Inuit songs under light rain. Many wore caps reading “Make America Go Away,” a riff on Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan. Nurse Paarniq Larsen Strum described the situation as “nerve-wracking,” adding: “We don’t want Trump invading Greenland, that is the message.” Protest organiser Avijaja Rosing-Olsen demanded “respect for our country’s right to self-determination and for us as a people.”

Solidarity demonstrations were also held in Copenhagen, where participants waved Danish and Greenlandic flags and chanted “Kalaallit Nunaat!” Some carried placards stating, “USA already has too much ICE,” referencing the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, while others displayed signs reading, “Greenland is not for sale.” Charity worker Kirsten Hjoernholm emphasised: “You cannot be bullied by an ally. It’s about international law.”

Trump has justified his interest in Greenland on national security grounds, alleging without evidence that China and Russia are attempting to exert influence over the island. Both nations have increased their military presence in the Arctic, but neither has claimed sovereignty. European officials stressed that recent military exercises in Greenland were defensive, and Denmark confirmed the US had been invited to participate.

The legality and enforcement mechanism of the threatened tariffs remain unclear. Since returning to the presidency, Trump has repeatedly imposed sweeping tariffs on trading partners to address perceived unfair practices or to exert political pressure. A US-EU agreement reached last year to lower tariffs on key European goods is currently being implemented.

US lawmakers visiting Copenhagen, led by Senator Chris Coons, indicated that Trump’s stance does not reflect majority American opinion. A January 2025 poll found that 85 percent of Greenlanders oppose joining the United States, with only six percent in favour.

The united response from European and Nordic countries, combined with domestic opposition in Greenland, signals that Trump faces both diplomatic resistance and local defiance in his controversial Arctic ambitions, highlighting the intricate geopolitics of the region.

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European nations targeted by Donald Trump’s Greenland tariff threat vow unity, warning such measures undermine transatlantic ties and risk a dangerous downward spiral.

(With inputs from AFP)