Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has said “Europe won’t be blackmailed” following threats over Greenland from Trump, involving new US tariffs linked to Washington’s proposal to take control of the autonomous Danish territory.
US President Donald Trump has warned he will impose a new 10% levy on goods from eight allied nations if they oppose his proposed takeover of Greenland.
European leaders warn of escalation
Frederiksen and other European leaders issued a joint statement on Sunday warning that the proposed tariffs risk “undermining transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral”.
On Monday, Trump said NATO had been “telling Denmark, for 20 years, that ‘you have to get the Russian threat away from Greenland’”, claiming Denmark had failed to act.
Trump has repeatedly argued that Greenland is critical to US security and has previously said the territory would be acquired “the easy way” or “the hard way”, not ruling out the use of force – remarks that have drawn widespread criticism.
Tariffs tied to Greenland proposal
The Trump Greenland threats include new tariffs on Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the UK.
Trump said an initial 10% tariff would take effect on 1 February on “any and all goods” sent to the US, with the rate potentially rising to 25% in June.
The tariffs would remain in place “until such time as a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland”, he wrote on his Truth Social platform.
Solidarity with Denmark and Greenland
In their joint statement, the leaders of the eight affected countries reaffirmed their “full solidarity with the Kingdom of Denmark and the people of Greenland”, while stressing their commitment to strengthening Arctic security within Nato.
“We stand ready to engage in a dialogue based on the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the statement said.
Frederiksen echoed the message in a Facebook post, saying: “We want to cooperate and we are not the ones seeking conflict… Europe will not be blackmailed.”
International reactions grow
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the tariff threat as “completely wrong”, adding that London would pursue the matter directly with the White House.
Greenland’s strategic importance stems from its location between North America and the Arctic, making it critical for early missile warning systems and maritime monitoring.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Greenland could “only be defended if it is part of the US”, arguing that this would benefit Europe and the United States.
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide told the BBC World Service that respect for sovereignty is a “non-negotiable” principle of international law.
French President Emmanuel Macron said he would request activation of the EU’s “anti-coercion instrument” if the tariffs are imposed.
Protests and public opposition
Public anger in both Denmark and Greenland remains strong. Demonstrations against Trump’s Greenland plans were held in Nuuk and across Danish cities over the weekend.
The island’s representative to the US said that in a January 2025 poll, just 6% of Greenlanders supported joining the US, while 85% opposed it.
A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll also showed limited support among Americans, with only 17% backing US control of Greenland.
Source: BBC News
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