US President Donald Trump has announced that tariffs will be imposed on Denmark and a number of European countries, citing their opposition to the United States' attempt to acquire Greenland after recent disagreements on the issue.
Trump said that Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland will be subject to the planned customs duties.
Trump said that the United States has provided unconditional support to Europe over the years, saying: "World peace is under threat. China and Russia want Greenland, and Denmark can't do anything to stop it."
Stating that he believes Greenland's defense is inadequate and that the region's security is crucial to the United States, Trump announced that from February 1, 2026, the countries concerned will face a 10% tariff that will rise. up to 25% after June 1, 2026. He added that these rates will remain in effect until an agreement is reached on the full purchase of Greenland.
Trump's remarks provoked a strong reaction from European countries. French President Emmanuel Macron said the threat of tariffs was unacceptable and stressed that Europe was determined to defend its sovereignty. Recalling France's support for Denmark's military exercises in Greenland, Macron said: "No threat, whether in Ukraine, Greenland or anywhere else in the world, will make us turn off our course."
Dutch Foreign Minister David van Veel stressed that the military actions in Greenland are aimed at strengthening security in the Arctic, adding that the Netherlands is preparing a coordinated response with the European Commission and EU partners. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer recalled that Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, and said that imposing tariffs on allies was the wrong approach.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa said in joint statements that Trump's decision would weaken transatlantic relations and could create a dangerous spiral. EU officials noted that the military exercises in Greenland were agreed in advance and were not aimed at any country, while stressing that Europe would take a unified position on tariffs.
Recalling that the US efforts to purchase Greenland have been going on for 150 years, Trump said that the region is vital in terms of modern defense systems. However, Denmark has long rejected any transfer of sovereignty, while European countries have recently stepped up calls for increased military cooperation in the Arctic and have begun deploying troops in the region.
