“No intimidation or threats will influence us – not in Ukraine, not in Greenland, or anywhere else in the world when we face similar situations. Threats of tariffs are unacceptable and have no place in this context. Europeans will respond in a united and coordinated wayif confirmed. We will ensure that European sovereignty is maintained. In this spirit, I will work with our European partners,” wrote Emmanuel Macron on X on Saturday.
“We will not allow ourselves to be blackmailed. Only Denmark and Greenland can decide on matters relating to Denmark and Greenland. I will always defend my country and our neighbors. This is an EU issue that affects many more countries than those currently mentioned [przez Trumpa jako objęte nowymi obostrzeniami]. Sweden is in intensive talks with other EU countries, Norway and Great Britain, in order to develop a common response,” said Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.
What tariffs has Donald Trump announced?
Which countries were affected by Trump's tariff announcement?
How did European leaders react to Trump's threats?
What did Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson say?
European leaders respond to Donald Trump. “The EU stands in solidarity with Denmark”
— Our position on Greenland is clear. It is part of the Kingdom of Denmark and its future rests with the Greenlanders and Danes, said British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. – We made it clear that Arctic security is important for all NATOand allies should take more actions together to address the Russian threat in various parts of the Arctic, he added.
The head of the British government also assessed that “imposing tariffs on allies to ensure the collective security of NATO allies is completely wrong“. – Of course, we will consult this issue directly with the US administration – he emphasized.
The head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, stated that “Territorial integrity and sovereignty are fundamental principles of international lawcrucial for Europe and the entire international community.
“We have consistently emphasized our common transatlantic interest in peace and security in the Arctic, including through NATO. The coordinated Danish exercises, conducted with allies, respond to the need to strengthen Arctic security and do not pose a threat to anyone. The EU stands in full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland. Dialogue remains essential and we are committed to continuing the process that began last week between the Kingdom of Denmark and the United States. Tariffs would undermine transatlantic relations and risk a spiral of negative consequences. “Europe will remain united, coordinated and committed to maintaining its sovereignty,” she wrote.
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide noted that “trade issues, including customs, should not be combined with security issues nor used in this context.”
“Greenland remains an integral part of the Kingdom of Denmark, and Norway fully supports Copenhagen. This is a line also shared by the other Nordic countries, many European countries and Canada. (…) The decision to establish a joint working group gives hope for further dialogue and reducing tensions around Greenland,” he said.
Denmark reacts to Donald Trump's threat
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Denmark Lars Lokke Rasmussen called US President Donald Trump's announcement of tariffs on European countries supporting Greenland a “surprise”. He assured that he was in contact with the European Union
— The purpose of increasing the military presence of Denmark and other European countries, to which the US President refers, is precisely this increasing security in the Arctic – emphasized the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, adding that “the government is in contact with the European Commission and partners on this matter.”
Donald Trump announces tariffs on allies. “They are playing a very dangerous game”
On Saturday, Donald Trump announced that he would impose additional tariffs of 10% from February 1. on products imported into the United States from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland. As Trump said, these are countries that sent their military to Greenland. The US president has been arguing for a long time that his country should occupy the island.
In a post on the Truth Social platform, Donald Trump said that European countries that send their military to Greenland are “playing a very dangerous game”. He also added that from June 1, customs duties will increase to 25%.
Donald Trump wants to take over Greenland. That's how he justifies it
Donald Trump has repeatedly spoken about the need for the United States to take over Greenland. He recently speculated that if the US does not take control of Greenland, China or Russia will do so. He rejected other solutions, such as increasing the presence of US troops there and the NATO mission on the island proposed by Germany.
In a recent interview with the New York Times, the leader stated that the US may have to “choose” between Greenland and NATO. The Danish authorities and citizens of the country strongly oppose these claims.
