BRUSSELS
European leaders are signaling readiness to deploy economic countermeasures after US President Donald Trump threatened sweeping tariffs on several European countries over their opposition to Washington’s demand for control of Greenland, raising the prospect of a sharp escalation in transatlantic tensions.
Trump said Saturday that Washington will impose 10% tariffs from Feb. 1 on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland, with rates rising to 25% in June unless a deal is reached for what he called the "complete and total purchase of Greenland."
The tariff threat triggered swift reactions across Europe, with leaders emphasizing unity, sovereignty, and preparedness to respond.
Eight countries targeted by the proposed US tariffs issued a joint statement denouncing the threat and reaffirming their commitment to Arctic security, national sovereignty, and international law.
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot said the EU must respond “firmly, unitedly and proportionately” to what he described as US pressure bordering on coercion, warning that Europe cannot accept "humiliation."
Prevot said the EU should not rule out activating its anti-coercion instrument, a set of economic retaliation measures often described as the bloc's "bazooka," which has never been used.
European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that tariffs would undermine transatlantic relations and risk a "dangerous downward spiral," stressing that the EU stands in full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland.
"Territorial integrity and sovereignty are fundamental principles of international law," they said, reaffirming the bloc’s commitment to a coordinated response.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said divisions among allies only benefit rivals. "China and Russia must be having a field day," she said through US social media company X, warning that tariffs would make both Europe and the US poorer while distracting from the shared goal of ending the war in Ukraine.
'No intimidation or threat' influences Europe
French President Emmanuel Macron said "no intimidation or threat" would influence Europe, reaffirming France's commitment to sovereignty and international law.
"Tariff threats are unacceptable and have no place in this context," Macron said, adding that Europeans would respond in a united and coordinated manner if the measures are confirmed.
German government spokesman Stefan Kornelius said Berlin would work closely with European partners, while Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned that the US is moving away from a rules-based international order toward power-driven politics, urging Europe to assert itself.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the US tariff threat as a "mistake," stressing the need to resume dialogue and avoid escalation.
Meloni underlined that European military deployments to Greenland should not be interpreted as actions directed against the US, but rather as efforts to strengthen Arctic security against other actors.
Ireland's Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris called the tariff threat "completely unacceptable," saying Europe would stand united and coordinated in its response.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said applying tariffs on allies is "completely wrong," while Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said Europe would not give in to "blackmail."
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said "threats have no place" among allies, and Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo warned that tariffs would harm both sides.
EU leaders to convene 'extraordinary meeting'
EU leaders will convene an extraordinary meeting in the coming days to discuss Trump's plan to impose tariffs, Costa announced on Sunday.
"Given the significance of recent developments and in order to further coordinate, I have decided to convene an extraordinary meeting of the European Council in the coming days," Costa said on X.
According to media reports, the EU is preparing tangible response options, including the possible reactivation of up to €93 billion ($108 billion) in retaliatory tariffs previously suspended after a trade deal with the US.
Officials also confirmed to Politico that the anti-coercion instrument remains on the table, though some member states remain cautious about deploying it at this stage.
Greenland, a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, has attracted US interest due to its strategic location and vast mineral resources, as well as alleged concerns about rising Russian and Chinese activity.
Denmark and Greenland have repeatedly rejected any proposal to sell the territory, reaffirming Danish sovereignty and the right of the Greenlandic people to determine their own future.