European leaders pushed back sharply after President Donald Trump threatened to impose sweeping tariffs on multiple countries unless progress is made toward a U.S. acquisition of Greenland, a move that has triggered coordinated diplomatic resistance across the continent.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer dismissed the threat outright, calling it “completely wrong.”
France also voiced firm opposition. President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed France’s stance on national sovereignty, publicly backing both Greenland and Denmark.
In Denmark, political figures across party lines began responding to the escalating rhetoric. Inger Stoejberg, leader of the Danish Democrats, told national broadcaster DR that Denmark must not yield to “Trump’s bully methods.”
European leaders pushed back sharply after President Donald Trump threatened to impose sweeping tariffs on multiple countries unless progress is made toward a U.S. acquisition of Greenland, a move that has triggered coordinated diplomatic resistance across the continent.
The U.S. president has said his administration plans to levy a 10% tariff on “all or any goods” exported to the United States from the UK, Denmark and other European countries beginning 1 February.
Trump stated the tariffs would remain in force until “such time as a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland.”
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer dismissed the threat outright, calling it “completely wrong.”
He said the British government would raise the issue directly with Washington, stressing that Greenland’s future “is a matter for the Greenlanders and the Danes.”
France also voiced firm opposition. President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed France’s stance on national sovereignty, publicly backing both Greenland and Denmark.
Writing on X, Macron said that “no intimidation nor threat will influence us,” describing Trump’s tariff proposal as “unacceptable.”
He added: “Europeans will respond to them in a united and coordinated manner if they were to be confirmed. We will ensure that European sovereignty is respected.”
In Denmark, political figures across party lines began responding to the escalating rhetoric. Inger Stoejberg, leader of the Danish Democrats, told national broadcaster DR that Denmark must not yield to “Trump’s bully methods.”
Danish MP Pelle Dragsted echoed the sentiment, writing on X that the tariff threats “must be met with European solidarity and resistance,” adding: “Enough is enough.”
Political reaction extended beyond government leaders. The UK Green Party condemned the proposed tariffs in stark terms.
Ellie Chowns, leader of the Parliamentary Green Party and MP for North Herefordshire, said in a statement: “Donald Trump treats the international stage like a schoolyard playground, attempting to bully and brute force other countries into compliance with his imperialist agenda.”
Chowns said the threat represented “a direct attack on the principle of national self-determination, treating the future of Greenland as if it were a piece of spoils to be bought and sold.
The UK must not be cowed.” She added that the government “must show genuine backbone,” concluding: “Greenland cannot be bought – it’s time to prove that Britain can’t be either.”
At the European Union level, European Council President Antonio Costa confirmed that a collective response is already underway. Reacting shortly after Trump’s announcement, Costa said he was “co-ordinating a joint response.”
Speaking at a news conference, Costa emphasized the EU’s legal position, stating that “the European Union will always be very firm in defending international law… which of course begins within the territory of the member states of the European Union.”
THE THIRD FORCE
