Trump tariff threat over Greenland draws European backlash

New Delhi, Jan 18: European leaders have condemned US President Donald Trump’s threat to impose new tariffs on several allied countries over their opposition to his proposal to take control of Greenland, the BBC reported.

Trump has announced plans to levy a 10 percent tariff from February on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands and Finland, with the rate potentially rising to 25 percent unless a deal is reached.

He has argued that Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, is strategically vital for US security and has not ruled out the use of force.

The move has triggered strong opposition across Europe, with leaders warning that tariff threats against allies undermine international law, Nato unity and transatlantic relations. The European Union has called an emergency meeting of ambassadors in Brussels to discuss a collective response.

Protests have taken place in Greenland and Denmark against any US attempt to acquire the territory.

Greenland’s strategic Arctic location and natural resources have made it a focus of growing geopolitical competition.

European countries have reiterated their support for Denmark, stressing that Arctic security should remain a shared Nato responsibility.

The escalation has strained relations with key US allies and raised uncertainty over broader EU-US trade ties, the BBC said.