French President Emmanuel Macron has condemned Donald Trump’s threat to impose tariffs on European countries opposing his bid to acquire Greenland, declaring that “no amount of intimidation” will alter the EU’s stance. The US president announced 10% tariffs on eight European nations from 1 February, with a further 25% levy from 1 June, targeting Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands and Finland.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson warned the EU would not be “blackmailed”, while Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said “threats have no place among allies”. In a joint statement, EU leaders António Costa and Ursula von der Leyen stressed that “tariffs would undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral”. EU ambassadors are expected to meet for an emergency session on Sunday.
The tariffs appear to have galvanised the EU, which had previously avoided confrontation. Manfred Weber, head of the European People’s Party, said MEPs would pause ratification of the US trade deal next week. Macron called the tariff threats “unacceptable”, emphasising France’s commitment to sovereignty and international law, and reaffirmed support for Denmark’s exercise in Greenland.
Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen sought to lower tensions, citing “constructive” talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and acknowledging the need to enhance Arctic security. Senior researcher Mikkel Runge Olesen described the tariff threat as a “negotiating tactic” in response to European troops deploying to Greenland.
