Will Trump's Greenland Tariffs Backfire? EU Warns Of 'Dangerous Downward Spiral' In Transatlantic Ties

Hours after US President Donald Trump announced plans to impose 10% tariffs on Denmark and several other European Union countries over the Greenland dispute, the European bloc reacted strongly, warning that such moves could lead to a "dangerous escalation" and seriously damage the transatlantic partnership.

Hours after US President Donald Trump announced plans to impose 10% tariffs on Denmark and several other European Union countries over the Greenland dispute, the European bloc reacted strongly, warning that such moves could lead to a "dangerous escalation" and seriously damage the transatlantic partnership.

Expressing solidarity with the people of Denmark and Greenland, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reminded Washington that “territorial integrity and sovereignty are fundamental principles of international law.”

In a post on X, the European Commission President said, "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. Tariffs would undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral. Europe will remain united, coordinated, and committed to upholding its sovereignty."

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed that Europe will remain united, coordinated, and resolute in upholding Europe's sovereignty.

Will Trump Use Tariffs To Seize Greenland? US President Threatens Allies Who Oppose His Plan

Von der Leyen's remarks come as US President Donald Trump threatens tariffs to seize Greenland, warning allies who oppose his plan.

US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday via Truth Social that Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland, all opposing his Greenland takeover plan, face 10 percent tariffs starting February 1, warning the rate will rise to 25 percent on June 1 until a deal is reached for Greenland's complete purchase.

"Starting on February 1st, 2026, all of the above mentioned Countries (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, The United Kingdom, The Netherlands, and Finland), will be charged a 10% Tariff on any and all goods sent to the United States of America. On June 1st, 2026, the Tariff will be increased to 25%. This Tariff will be due and payable until such time as a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland," Trump posted.

Trump justified his Greenland takeover, warning that China and Russia seek it, and claimed that only America under President Donald Trump can protect this sacred land.

"World Peace is at stake! China and Russia want Greenland, and there is not a thing that Denmark can do about it. They currently have two dogsleds as protection, one added recently. Only the United States of America, under PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP, can play in this game, and very successfully, at that! Nobody will touch this sacred piece of Land, especially since the National Security of the United States, and the World at large, is at stake," Trump added.

Trump's Push for Greenland Acquisition

The US President has repeatedly spoken about the possibility of the United States acquiring Greenland, citing national security considerations. Greenland is a semi-autonomous Arctic territory under the sovereignty of Denmark.