“Threats are unacceptable.” The EU reacted immediately after Trump announced tariffs against eight European countries

European Council President Antonio Costa said the EU was firm in defending international law, and French President Emmanuel Macron said the threat of tariffs was unacceptable, referring to Trump's announcement of additional tariffs against countries that oppose the US annexation of Greenland, Reuters reports.

“What we can say is that the European Union will always be very firm in defending international law, wherever it is, and that starts, of course, with the territory of the member states of the European Union,” Antonio Costa said at a press conference following the signing of the free trade agreement between the EU and Mercosur, and shortly after Trump announced that he would impose tariffs on European countries that oppose the annexation of Greenland.

“For now, I am coordinating a joint response of the European Union member countries on this issue,” Antonio Costa said.

The idea of ​​a joint European response was also mentioned by French President Emmanuel Macron in a post on X.

“No intimidation or threats will influence us, neither in Ukraine nor in Greenland, anywhere in the world when we are faced with such situations. Threats of tariffs are unacceptable and have no place in this context. Europeans will respond to them in a united and coordinated manner, if they are confirmed,” Macron wrote.

Seven of the eight countries threatened with tariffs are EU members

President Donald Trump announced in a post on the Truth Social network that he is imposing 10% tariffs on eight European countries that oppose the US's intention to buy Greenland. The tax level will be increased to 25% from June 1, 2026, if no agreement is reached on the acquisition of the island, the US president says.

“We have subsidized Denmark and all the countries of the European Union for many years by not imposing tariffs or other forms of remuneration. Now, after centuries, it is time for Denmark to give back. World peace is at stake! China and Russia want Greenland and Denmark can't do anything about it. They have two dog sleds for protection, one of which was recently added,” Donald Trump begins his post on Truth Social.

He then names eight European countries, led by Denmark, which will be affected by new customs duties.

In addition to Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, Great Britain, the Netherlands and Finland are targeted. According to the American president, these states are playing “a very dangerous game” by their opposition to the ceding of Greenland to the United States.

“That's why it's imperative that, in order to protect global peace and security, tough action is taken to bring this potentially dangerous situation to a quick and unequivocal end,” says Donald Trump.

He then announces that starting February 1, 2026, all of the countries mentioned will be charged a 10% tariff on any goods exported to the United States of America. On June 1, 2026, the rate will be increased to 25%. The tariff will be applied until an agreement is reached for the complete and total purchase of Greenland,” Trump announced.