Trump’s Greenland Tariff Threat Sparks International Outcry and EU Emergency Meeting
Published 17 January 2026
Highlights
- US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on eight European countries, including the UK, unless Greenland is sold to the US.
- The tariffs, starting at 10% on February 1 and rising to 25% by June 1, have been condemned by European leaders as "unacceptable" and "completely wrong."
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other European leaders have reiterated that Greenland's future should be decided by Denmark and Greenland, not external forces.
- The European Union has called an emergency meeting to address the escalating trade tensions and to discuss collective security in the Arctic.
- Protests have erupted in Greenland and Denmark against the proposed US takeover, highlighting the region's strategic importance and resource wealth.
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Rewritten Article
Headline: Trump’s Greenland Tariff Threat Sparks International Outcry and EU Emergency Meeting
In a bold move that has drawn widespread condemnation, US President Donald Trump announced plans to impose tariffs on eight European countries unless Greenland is sold to the United States. The tariffs, set to begin at 10% on February 1 and potentially rising to 25% by June 1, target nations including the UK, France, and Germany, all of which have opposed Trump's ambitions to acquire the autonomous Danish territory.
European Leaders Condemn Tariff Threat
European leaders have swiftly denounced Trump's tariff threats. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer labeled the move "completely wrong," emphasizing that Greenland's sovereignty should be determined by Denmark and Greenland alone. French President Emmanuel Macron echoed these sentiments, stating that "no amount of intimidation" would alter Europe's stance on Greenland.
Strategic Importance of Greenland
Greenland's strategic location between North America and the Arctic, coupled with its rich natural resources, has made it a focal point for international interest. Trump has argued that acquiring Greenland is crucial for US national security, a claim disputed by European allies who have rallied to Denmark's defense. Thousands have protested in Greenland and Denmark, underscoring the region's significance.
EU Calls for Emergency Meeting
In response to the escalating situation, the European Union has scheduled an emergency meeting to discuss the implications of Trump's tariff threats and to reinforce Arctic security as a collective NATO responsibility. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that tariffs would undermine transatlantic relations and risk a "dangerous downward spiral."
International Reactions and Diplomatic Tensions
The tariff threat has united European leaders in opposition, with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre warning against being "blackmailed" by the US. Meanwhile, Australian Finance Minister Katy Gallagher has called for continued free trade, urging the US to reconsider its stance.
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Scenario Analysis
The unfolding situation presents significant diplomatic challenges. If Trump proceeds with the tariffs, it could strain US-European relations and disrupt ongoing trade negotiations. The EU's emergency meeting may lead to a unified response, potentially involving countermeasures or increased diplomatic pressure on the US. Experts suggest that the situation could test the resilience of NATO alliances and the EU's ability to maintain a cohesive stance against external pressures. As tensions rise, the international community will be closely watching for any shifts in US policy or European strategy.
In a bold move that has drawn widespread condemnation, US President Donald Trump announced plans to impose tariffs on eight European countries unless Greenland is sold to the United States. The tariffs, set to begin at 10% on February 1 and potentially rising to 25% by June 1, target nations including the UK, France, and Germany, all of which have opposed Trump's ambitions to acquire the autonomous Danish territory.
European Leaders Condemn Tariff Threat
European leaders have swiftly denounced Trump's tariff threats. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer labeled the move "completely wrong," emphasizing that Greenland's sovereignty should be determined by Denmark and Greenland alone. French President Emmanuel Macron echoed these sentiments, stating that "no amount of intimidation" would alter Europe's stance on Greenland.
Strategic Importance of Greenland
Greenland's strategic location between North America and the Arctic, coupled with its rich natural resources, has made it a focal point for international interest. Trump has argued that acquiring Greenland is crucial for US national security, a claim disputed by European allies who have rallied to Denmark's defense. Thousands have protested in Greenland and Denmark, underscoring the region's significance.
EU Calls for Emergency Meeting
In response to the escalating situation, the European Union has scheduled an emergency meeting to discuss the implications of Trump's tariff threats and to reinforce Arctic security as a collective NATO responsibility. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that tariffs would undermine transatlantic relations and risk a "dangerous downward spiral."
International Reactions and Diplomatic Tensions
The tariff threat has united European leaders in opposition, with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre warning against being "blackmailed" by the US. Meanwhile, Australian Finance Minister Katy Gallagher has called for continued free trade, urging the US to reconsider its stance.
What this might mean
The unfolding situation presents significant diplomatic challenges. If Trump proceeds with the tariffs, it could strain US-European relations and disrupt ongoing trade negotiations. The EU's emergency meeting may lead to a unified response, potentially involving countermeasures or increased diplomatic pressure on the US. Experts suggest that the situation could test the resilience of NATO alliances and the EU's ability to maintain a cohesive stance against external pressures. As tensions rise, the international community will be closely watching for any shifts in US policy or European strategy.
