EU leaders unite against US pressure
European leaders have vowed to present a united front after President Donald Trump threatened new tariffs on Denmark and seven other European countries unless Greenland is sold to the United States. Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized that the EU would remain “united, coordinated and committed” to defending Europe’s sovereignty.
Trump’s plan, announced on social media, proposes an initial 10% tariff on goods from Denmark, Sweden, Norway, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, and the UK, potentially rising to 25% by June, until Greenland is “completely and totally” handed over. The announcement came shortly after a joint European mission visited Greenland, sparking strong criticism from the White House.
Rising tensions over Arctic security
The US has framed Greenland as a strategic national security concern, claiming the island must be transferred “the easy way or the hard way.” European officials rejected this, insisting Denmark and its allies are capable of managing Arctic security. Danish intelligence reports that no Chinese warships have been seen near Greenland in over a decade, countering claims used to justify US pressure.
Leaders across Europe condemned the threat. Macron declared that no intimidation would influence the EU, while Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson warned Europe would not be blackmailed. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen expressed surprise at the aggressive US response, noting the European mission aimed to enhance Arctic security rather than provoke conflict.
Calls for stronger EU trade defenses
The incident has reignited calls for Europe to deploy its “trade bazooka,” the anti-coercion instrument, designed to retaliate against countries attempting to exert political pressure through trade. Bernd Lange, chair of the European Parliament’s trade committee, said business as usual is no longer possible, accusing Trump of using trade as a tool of coercion.
Manfred Weber, head of the European People’s Party, urged a freeze on the existing EU-US trade deal, saying zero tariffs on US goods should be suspended while threats persist. With tensions escalating, Brussels now faces a pivotal moment in defending its sovereignty and maintaining transatlantic stability.
