EU Leaders Condemn U.S. Tariff Threats Over Greenland
Major European Union countries, including Germany and France, strongly criticised U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to impose new tariffs linked to Greenland, describing the move as political and economic coercion, officials said on Sunday, as reported by Reuters. The dispute has raised concerns about escalating tensions between Washington and its European allies.
Trump said he would expand tariffs on several EU states, Britain and Norway unless the United States is allowed to purchase Greenland. The countries targeted already face U.S. duties and have recently deployed limited military personnel to Greenland as part of Danish-led security exercises, which European leaders said were defensive and lawful.
Denmark and its partners rejected the tariff threats, stressing that Arctic security activities posed no threat and that dialogue should respect sovereignty and territorial integrity. EU officials convened emergency consultations in Brussels, while Denmark said it would continue diplomatic engagement, citing existing cooperation frameworks with the United States.
France has proposed exploring countermeasures under the EU’s Anti-Coercion Instrument, though some leaders urged caution. Britain called for restraint and cooperation, while Italy described the threat as a mistake. The dispute has also cast doubt on recently agreed trade arrangements and delayed parliamentary approval of EU-U.S. trade measures.
