European leaders are responding to threatened tariffs from the U.S. over Greenland, with the President of the European Commission emphasizing the EU’s commitment to Arctic security and sovereignty. The escalating tensions follow President Trump’s indication he will impose a 10% tariff on goods from eight European countries if they continue to oppose a potential U.S. takeover of Greenland.
Trump’s Tariffs and European Response
Ahead of the forum in Davos, Trump shared screenshots of text messages he said were sent by French President Macron and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Rutte reportedly indicated a commitment to finding a way forward on Greenland, while Macron stated he “does not understand what you are doing” but offered to organize a meeting with other leaders in Paris.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, addressed the issue directly on Tuesday, stating Europe is “fully committed” to the security of the Arctic. She added that this commitment can only be achieved through collaboration and called Trump’s proposed tariffs “a mistake.”
Von der Leyen affirmed the European Union’s “full solidarity” with Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark, asserting their sovereignty is “non-negotiable.” Canada’s Mark Carney echoed this sentiment, reaffirming his country’s commitment to NATO’s Article 5, which considers an attack against one member an attack against all.
“We stand firmly with Greenland and Denmark and fully support their unique right to determine Greenland’s future,” Carney said.
Macron and Further Escalation
Macron reportedly expressed a preference for “respect to bullies” and “the rule of law to brutality.” Earlier Tuesday, Trump threatened a 200% tariff on French wine and champagne after Macron reportedly declined an invitation to join a Gaza “Board of Peace.”
Macron condemned the “endless accumulation of new tariffs” as “fundamentally unacceptable,” particularly when used as leverage against territorial sovereignty. He is among those urging the EU to consider retaliatory options against U.S. tariffs, including the use of the “anti-coercion instrument,” nicknamed a “trade bazooka.”
Sources indicate the European Parliament is planning to suspend approval of a U.S. trade deal agreed upon in July, marking a further escalation in tensions between the U.S. and Europe.
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