European governments intensified their pushback on Sunday after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened escalating tariffs on multiple allies unless the United States is permitted to purchase Greenland, a move that has widened an already fraught dispute over Arctic security and sovereignty.
The threatened measures target Denmark, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, Britain and Norway, all of which have recently sent limited military personnel to Greenland amid growing geopolitical tensions in the region.
The eight countries issued a joint statement warning that tariff threats undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral.
They said the recent Danish-led military exercise in Greenland was defensive in nature and posed no threat, while reaffirming their readiness for dialogue based on sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen welcomed the show of continental unity, stating that Europe would not be blackmailed.
Similar language was echoed by leaders in Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands as criticism of Washington’s approach mounted.
Trump has said the tariffs would begin at 10 percent from February and rise to 25 percent by June, remaining in place until an agreement is reached for the complete purchase of Greenland, a largely autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who has closer ties to Trump than many European leaders, described the threat as a mistake and confirmed she had raised her concerns directly with the U.S. president.
Ireland’s prime minister said retaliation was likely but cautioned against acting prematurely, while Italy noted it has not deployed troops to Greenland.
The dispute has quickly spilled into broader trade policy, placing existing EU-U.S. and U.S.-UK trade arrangements under renewed strain.
France has urged activation of the European Union’s anti-coercion instrument, an unused legal tool that could restrict access to public tenders, investments or services.
Senior figures in the European Parliament, including the chair of its trade committee, have backed this option, though others argue further diplomacy should come first.
Cyprus, which holds the EU’s rotating presidency, convened an emergency meeting of ambassadors as leaders intensified consultations.
In Britain, officials stressed that Greenland’s status was non-negotiable while calling for cooperation rather than escalation.
The European Parliament is now expected to suspend work on ratifying a planned EU-U.S. trade deal, reflecting concerns that the standoff is deepening rather than easing.