BERLIN

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Thursday cautiously welcomed US President Donald Trump's announcement of a framework deal on Greenland, while reaffirming EU solidarity with Denmark.

“I welcome President Trump's remarks from last night. This is the right way to go,” Merz said in his speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos. “This is the right way because any threat to acquire European territory by force would be unacceptable,” he said.

US President Trump announced a framework for a deal on Greenland following his meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Davos on Wednesday, stepping back from earlier threats and withdrawing tariff threats against European countries.

Chancellor Merz expressed cautious optimism and emphasized that EU member states will remain united and take necessary action if the US administration moves forward with plans to impose new tariffs.

"New tariffs would undermine the foundations of transatlantic relations," he warned. "If they are put in place, Europe's answer will be united, calm, measured, and firm."

Trump has repeatedly said that the US must acquire Greenland for national security reasons and to deter rivals such as China and Russia in the Arctic. Before heading to Davos, he threatened tariffs on European allies who oppose US control of Greenland.

Both Denmark and Greenland—a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark—have rejected any proposal to sell the territory, reaffirming Danish sovereignty over the island.