Eight European nations, including the UK, Denmark, and Germany, issued a joint statement warning that Donald Trump’s tariff threat over Greenland risks a "dangerous downward spiral" and undermines transatlantic relations. The statement came as EU ambassadors held emergency talks following the US president’s announcement of potential tariffs on European allies from February unless the US is allowed to purchase Greenland.
Dutch foreign minister David van Weel labelled the move “blackmail”, while Finland’s prime minister said tariffs would harm both Europe and the US. Danish foreign minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen warned that the global geopolitical order and the future of Nato were at stake, adding that Europe is stronger “when we collectively show muscle”.
In the UK, culture secretary Lisa Nandy described the position on Greenland as “non-negotiable” and called for an “adult debate” with the US. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer plans to speak with Trump at the “earliest opportunity”. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to urge the EU to activate its “anti-coercion instrument” – a trade “bazooka” – if tariffs are imposed.
Nato secretary general Mark Rutte confirmed he spoke with Trump about the security situation in Greenland and the Arctic. Former US vice president Mike Pence expressed concern that the aggressive posture threatens the Nato alliance, though he maintained the US has a national security interest in controlling Greenland. Danish foreign minister Rasmussen is due to visit Norway, the UK, and Sweden to discuss Arctic security.
