Donald Trump has threatened to impose tariffs of up to 25% on European countries because of Greenland. Leaders from the UK, France, the EU, and Nordic leaders have opposed the move, backing Denmark and Greenland’s right to govern themselves. European leaders have called the threat unacceptable and a violation of international law.
France President Emmanuel Macron calls move ‘unacceptable.’
France President Emmanuel Macron firmly criticised US President Donald Trump’s threat, describing the move as “unacceptable.
“No intimidation nor threat will influence us, neither in Ukraine, nor in Greenland, nor anywhere else in the world when we are confronted with such situations,” Macron said on X.
“Tariff threats are unacceptable and have no place in this context. Europeans will respond to them in a united and coordinated manner if they were to be confirmed.”
France is committed to the sovereignty and independence of nations, in Europe and elsewhere. This guides our choices. It underpins our commitment to the United Nations and to its Charter.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) January 17, 2026
It is on this basis that we support, and will continue to support Ukraine…
President of the EU Ursula von der Leyen said ‘Tariffs would undermine relations’
President of the EU Ursula von der Leyen said that the EU stands in full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland. “Territorial integrity and sovereignty are fundamental principles of international law. They are essential for Europe and for the international community as a whole,” she posted on X.
Territorial integrity and sovereignty are fundamental principles of international law.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) January 17, 2026
They are essential for Europe and for the international community as a whole.
We have consistently underlined our shared transatlantic interest in peace and security in the Arctic, including…
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer says applying tariffs on allies is completely wrong
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the move was “completely wrong.” Stating the UK’s position, he said that Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark and its future is a matter for the Greenlanders and the Danes.
“We have also made clear that Arctic security matters for the whole of NATO and allies should all do more together to address the threat from Russia across different parts of the Arctic,” he said in the statement as reported by the BBC.
Starmer added that putting tariffs on allies for pursuing the collective security of NATO allies is “completely wrong,” and said that they will be pursuing this directly with the US administration.
Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Germany support Denmark
Sweden PM Ulf Kristersson said, “We won’t let ourselves be blackmailed.”
Norway Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre slammed Trump, saying, “threats have no place among allies.”
Finland President Alexander Stubb emphasized the importance of dialogue over pressure among allies to resolve issues.
Germany joined a group of European NATO allies in deploying a small reconnaissance team of Bundeswehr soldiers to Greenland.
