According to European leaders, the threat of tariffs "undermines transatlantic relations" and could lead to a "dangerous spiral of deterioration" in the situation on the island. These statements were made in a document released by the press service of the German government.
NATO countries emphasized their commitment to ensuring security in the Arctic as an important transatlantic task.
“We will act unanimously and in a coordinated manner. Protecting our sovereignty remains a priority for us. We support the Kingdom of Denmark and the people of Greenland,” representatives from Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom stated.
On January 17, Donald Trump announced the introduction of a 10% tariff on goods shipped from these countries to the U.S., starting February 1. He also stated that from June 1, the tariffs would increase to 25% and remain in effect until a deal for the complete and final purchase of Greenland is reached.
It has also become known that EU lawmakers will not support the transatlantic trade agreement between Brussels and Washington. This agreement implied the establishment of 15% tariffs by the U.S. on imports from the EU in exchange for Europe abandoning tariffs on American exports.
A bill concerning the "annexation of Greenland and granting it state status" has already been submitted to Congress. The explanation for this document states that it provides the U.S. president with "any necessary powers" to acquire the island.
Previously, Trump expressed confidence that the United States would "somehow" gain control over Greenland. He proposed purchasing the island and in March 2025 mentioned the possibility of its annexation, threatening Copenhagen with the imposition of trade tariffs in case of refusal.
Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark. In 1951, Washington and Copenhagen signed a Treaty for the Protection of the Island, which obligates the U.S. to defend Greenland against potential aggression.
