European leaders pushed back sharply after President Donald Trump threatened to impose new tariffs on several European countries unless a deal is reached over Greenland, escalating tensions across the transatlantic alliance.
Trump said Saturday that the United States will levy a 10 percent tariff on “any and all goods” from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland starting February 1. The rate would increase to 25 percent on June 1 if no agreement is reached.
“We have subsidized Denmark, and all of the Countries of the European Union, and others, for many years by not charging them Tariffs, or any other forms of remuneration,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post. “Now, after Centuries, it is time for Denmark to give back — World Peace is at stake!”
The president did not specify whether the tariffs would be added to existing duties or how they would interact with current trade agreements. The White House has not yet clarified the scope of the measures.
European officials reacted with alarm. French President Emmanuel Macron called the threats “unacceptable” and said Europe would respond in a coordinated way if they are confirmed. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said “applying tariffs on allies for pursuing the collective security of NATO allies is completely wrong.”
European Union leaders convened emergency talks in Brussels on Sunday to assess the situation. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that the proposed tariffs undermine transatlantic relations and “risk a dangerous downward spiral.” European Council President António Costa said the bloc is preparing a joint response.
Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said the announcement came as a surprise after what he described as a constructive meeting earlier in the week with senior US officials. He added that NATO partners are increasing their presence in the Arctic “in full transparency with our American allies.”
The dispute also triggered protests in Greenland and Denmark. In Nuuk, an estimated 5,000 people gathered to oppose any attempt to annex the Arctic island, which has broad self government and the right to self determination. Demonstrations also took place in several Danish cities.
“We are demonstrating against American statements and ambitions to annex Greenland,” said Camilla Siezing, chair of the Joint Association Inuit. “We demand respect for the Danish Realm and for Greenland’s right to self-determination.”
Trump has repeatedly argued that US control of Greenland is vital for security and missile defense, citing growing competition in the Arctic. European leaders and many US lawmakers have rejected that view, warning the tariff threat could cause lasting damage to alliances and trade ties.
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