European Union leaders issued a sharp joint statement on Saturday, warning U.S. President Donald Trump that his threat to impose tariffs on European allies over the Greenland dispute could trigger a “dangerous downward spiral” in transatlantic relations. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa stressed that territorial integrity is a fundamental principle of international law. The EU remains “in full solidarity with Denmark,” asserting that the self-governing island is not a bargaining chip for trade concessions.
Trump’s announcement of a 10% tariff—set to rise to 25% by June—targets eight countries, including Germany, France, and the UK, for their involvement in Arctic military exercises. Trump claims these nations are “undermining” U.S. strategic interests by refusing to negotiate the sale of Greenland. However, EU officials noted that the military exercise in question, “Operation Arctic Endurance,” is a pre-coordinated NATO mission designed to enhance regional security and poses a threat to no one.
The escalating trade war has prompted the EU to consider triggering its Anti-Coercion Instrument (ACI), a powerful defense mechanism that allows for mirror tariffs and taxes on American tech giants. Manfred Weber, leader of the European People’s Party, suggested that the ratification of the hard-won EU-US trade deal should be suspended until the “Greenland blackmail” ceases. An extraordinary meeting of EU ambassadors has been called for Sunday afternoon in Brussels to coordinate a unified continental response to the White House’s latest demands.
