More than half a dozen European countries warned in a joint statement Sunday that tariff threats over Greenland are undermining transatlantic ties, as the White House tries to pressure allies into a deal to acquire the Arctic island.
The statement, issued by Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom, said the countries remain committed to strengthening security in the Arctic and are willing to engage in a dialogue based on respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“Tariff threats undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral. We will remain united and coordinated in our response,” the statement said in part. “We are determined to maintain our sovereignty.”
Members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) also said they “stand in full solidarity with the Kingdom of Denmark and the people of Greenland.”
JOHNSON: ‘NO BOOTS ON THE GROUND’ FOR TRUMP’S GREENLAND TAKEOVER PLANS AMID MILITARY SPECULATION
Soldiers pass the Arktisk Kommando, the Arctic Command of the Danish Armed Forces, in Nuuk, Greenland on January 15, 2026. (Julia Wäschenbach/photo alliance via Getty Images)
The statement comes after President Donald Trump threatened on his Truth Social platform to impose a 10% tariff on the eight countries unless a deal is reached on what he called the “complete and total purchase of Greenland.”
Trump said the 10% rate would take effect on February 2 and could rise to 25% on June 1.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned Trump’s post on social media on Saturday.
Kristersson wrote on X that allies would not be “blackmailed.”
“Only Denmark and Greenland decide on issues that concern Denmark and Greenland,” he said, adding that other European Union (EU) countries were discussing a coordinated response.
Young people carry signs that say “Greenland is not for sale!” during a major protest against US President Donald Trump’s proposal to acquire Greenland, near the US consulate in Nuuk, Greenland, on January 17, 2026. (Alessandro Rampazzo/AFP via Getty Images)
Kaja Kallas, the EU’s top diplomat, also expressed concern about Trump’s comments, warning that Russia and China were “having a good day” and could take advantage of divisions within NATO.
“If Greenland’s security is at risk, we can address it within NATO. Tariffs threaten to make Europe and the United States poorer and undermine our shared prosperity,” she said. “We also cannot allow our dispute to distract us from our core task: helping end Russia’s war against Ukraine.”
Trump has repeatedly said the United States needs Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory, for “national security” purposes.
Greenland’s wealth of natural resources has also long had strategic importance, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies January reportnoting that the area is rich in iron ore, graphite, tungsten, palladium, vanadium, zinc, gold, uranium, copper and oil.
TRUMP KNOWS REAL ESTATE WELL – AND HE KNOWS GREENLAND’S VALUE TO NATIONAL SECURITY
Houses are seen in the village of Narsaq, Greenland, on June 24, 2009. (Rafael Bastante/Europa Press via Getty Images)
However, Greenland’s leaders have firmly rejected any suggestion that the future or sovereignty of the territory is open to negotiation.
Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said on Facebook on Thursday that the area is “not for sale” and will not be owned or controlled by the US.
DENMARK’S FOREIGN MINISTER SAYS TRUMP HAS A POINT ON CHINA AND RUSSIA’S THREAT TO GREENLAND
“Greenland does not want to be part of the United States,” Nielsen argued.
Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen takes part in a mass demonstration against President Donald Trump’s proposal to acquire Greenland, in Nuuk, Greenland, on January 17, 2026. (Alessandro Rampazzo/AFP via Getty Images)
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Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., said the Trump administration’s attempts to “conquer” territory from an ally were “extremely stupid.”
“It damages President Trump’s legacy and undermines all the work he has done over the years to strengthen the NATO alliance,” Tillis explained.
