Emphasizing shared security interests, the EU warns Trump’s tariff threat might cause peace to unravel in the Arctic. The geopolitical tussle over Greenland has sent shockwaves through Brussels. European Union leaders have called an emergency meeting for Sunday to discuss President Trump’s ultimatum: sell the territory or face rising tariffs.
EU Presidents von der Leyen and Costa issued a stark warning about a “dangerous downward spiral.” They stated that such actions undermine the trust essential for transatlantic relations. The leaders vowed that the European Union would remain united and coordinated, refusing to compromise on sovereignty.
The tariff schedule outlined by Trump is aggressive. Starting February 1, a 10% tariff will hit goods from Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK. If a deal for Greenland is not reached, the rate will jump to 25% on June 1. This places immediate pressure on key industries across the continent.
In addition to trade, the EU addressed US concerns about Arctic security. Leaders defended recent Danish military exercises as pre-coordinated measures designed to strengthen security. They emphasized that these actions are defensive and pose no threat to the United States or its allies.
The EU has expressed unwavering solidarity with Denmark. While noting that bilateral talks between Copenhagen and Washington are ongoing, the bloc is preparing to defend its collective interests. Sunday’s emergency meeting will focus on ensuring that Europe speaks with a single, powerful voice.