French President Emmanuel Macron has condemned Donald Trump's latest tariff threats, declaring that “no amount of intimidation” will sway European nations on the issue of Greenland. Trump announced 10% tariffs on eight European countries from 1 February, with an additional 25% tariff from 1 June, targeting nations opposed to his takeover ambitions.
Macron described the threats as “unacceptable” and stressed that they had “no place” given Europe’s efforts to defend Greenland. He emphasised France’s commitment to national sovereignty, linking it to support for Ukraine and joint exercises in Greenland. “No intimidation or threats will influence us, whether in Ukraine, Greenland or anywhere else in the world,” Macron said.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson echoed the sentiment, warning that the EU would not be “blackmailed” by the US. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre added that “threats have no place among allies.” In a joint statement, EU leaders said tariffs would “undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral.”
The tariffs target Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland—countries that have been most vocal against Trump’s Greenland designs. European leaders were caught off guard by the outburst while signing a trade deal in Paraguay. Trump’s post on Truth Social declared the tariffs would remain until a deal for “complete and total purchase of Greenland” was reached.
Denmark sought to de-escalate, with Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen citing “constructive” talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and acknowledging a need to enhance Arctic security. Mikkel Runge Olesen at the Danish Institute for International Studies described the tariffs as a “negotiating tactic” in response to European troops deploying to Greenland.
