European Union leaders have issued a strong warning in response to US President Donald Trump’s threat to impose sweeping tariffs on several European countries unless his bid to purchase Greenland is successful.
The warning came on Saturday as Cyprus, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the European Council, announced an extraordinary meeting of EU ambassadors scheduled for Sunday afternoon in Brussels to assess the situation.
Tensions escalated after Trump threatened to slap tariffs of up to 25 percent on multiple European nations, a move that immediately raised concerns across the bloc. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa reacted swiftly, issuing a joint statement condemning the threat.
“Tariffs would undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral,” they wrote in a post on social media.
“Europe will remain united, coordinated, and committed to upholding its sovereignty,” they added.
The statement followed recent talks in Washington between Danish and Greenlandic officials and US representatives over Trump’s renewed interest in acquiring Greenland. Those discussions ended without any agreement.
Reaffirming its position, the European Union declared full backing for Denmark and Greenland, stating:
“The EU stands in full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland.”
“Dialogue remains essential, and we are committed to building on the process begun already last week between the Kingdom of Denmark and the US.”
Trump later announced that from February 1, countries including Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland would face a 10 percent tariff on all goods exported to the United States.
The threat has also cast fresh doubt on the EU–US trade deal reached last year. German MEP Manfred Weber, leader of the European People’s Party (EPP), the largest bloc in the European Parliament, questioned whether the agreement could still move forward under the circumstances.
“The EPP is in favour of the EU–U.S. trade deal, but given Donald Trump’s threats regarding Greenland, approval is not possible at this stage,” Weber wrote on X.
“The 0% tariffs on U.S. products must be put on hold,” he added.
In July, Brussels and Washington reached an agreement that would see most EU exports subjected to a 15 percent US levy. However, negotiations remain ongoing as both sides continue to push for additional concessions, with Trump’s latest remarks now threatening to derail progress entirely.
The unfolding dispute has reignited fears of a transatlantic trade confrontation, as EU leaders insist that economic pressure tied to territorial demands crosses a dangerous line.
