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By Peter Aitken
Politics Weekend Editor
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Leaders across Europe and the United Kingdom have responded to President Donald Trump's threat to introduce tariffs against countries that oppose America's acquisition of Greenland.
Several officials have warned that Trump's ambition for the Arctic island risks division in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)—a warning reiterated by the likes of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Newsweek reached out to the White House by email on Saturday afternoon for comment.
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Why It Matters
Trump has stressed the need for the U.S. to acquire Greenland as part of a broader effort to shore up Arctic security in the face of Russian and Chinese ambition. However, European leaders have defended Greenland's right as a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark to determine its future.
Therefore, European leaders deployed troops to Greenland, which is the world's largest island, in support of its autonomy.
Trump in turn threatened to impose and adjust tariffs on nations who do not support the U.S. effort to acquire Greenland, saying that it will be for the benefit of NATO as a whole.
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What To Know
In a Truth Social post on Saturday, Trump wrote that the U.S. has "subsidized Denmark, and all of the Countries of the European Union, and others, for many years by not charging them Tariffs, or any other forms of remuneration," adding that "now, after Centuries, it is time for Denmark to give back — World Peace is at stake!"
In her X post, Von der Leyen stressed the need to respect territorial integrity and sovereignty of international law, sentiments echoed by the likes of French President Emmanuel Macron and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.
Kristersson and Macron also mentioned the need for a coordinated response if the U.S. would not ease back on its intentions.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen
"Territorial integrity and sovereignty are fundamental principles of international law," von der Leyen wrote. "They are essential for Europe and for the international community as a whole. We have consistently underlined our shared transatlantic interest in peace and security in the Arctic, including through NATO."
"The pre-coordinated Danish exercise, conducted with allies, responds to the need to strengthen Arctic security and poses no threat to anyone," she explained regarding the deployments. "The EU stands in full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland. Dialogue remains essential, and we are committed to building on the process begun already last week between the Kingdom of Denmark and the US."
"Tariffs would undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral. Europe will remain united, coordinated, and committed to upholding its sovereignty," she added.
Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas
"China and Russia must be having a field day," European Commission Vice President Kaja Kallas wrote on X. "They are the ones who benefit from divisions among Allies."
"If Greenland’s security is at risk, we can address this inside NATO," she continued. "Tariffs risk making Europe and the United States poorer and undermine our shared prosperity. We also cannot let our dispute distract us from the our core task of helping to end Russia’s war against Ukraine."
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson
"We will not let ourselves be blackmailed," Kristersson wrote on X. "Only Denmark and Greenland decide on issues concerning Denmark and Greenland. I will always stand up for my country, and for our allied neighbors."
"This is an EU issue that affects many more countries than those now being singled out," he added. "Sweden is now having intensive discussions with other EU countries, Norway, and the United Kingdom for a coordinated response."
United Kingdom Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer
Starmer in a statement posted on X wrote that "applying tariffs on allies for pursuing the collective security of NATO allies is completely wrong. We will of course be pursuing this directly with the US administration."
"We have also made clear that Arctic Security matters for the whole of NATO and allies should all do more together to address the threat from Russia across different parts of the Arctic," he added.
French President Emmanuel Macron
Macron in his statement on X drew a comparison between Greenland and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, writing that "it is on this basis that we support, and will continue to support Ukraine and that we have built a coalition of the willing for a robust and lasting peace, to defend these principles and our security."
"It is also on this basis that we decided to take part in the exercise organized by Denmark in Greenland," Macron wrote. "We fully assume this decision, because security in the Arctic and at the outer edges of our Europe is at stake."
"No intimidation or threat will influence us - neither in Ukraine, nor in Greenland, nor anywhere else in the world when we are confronted with such situations," he continued. "Tariff threats are unacceptable and have no place in this context."
"Europeans will respond in a united and coordinated manner should they be confirmed," he added. "We will ensure that European sovereignty is upheld."
What Happens Next
In his Truth Social post, Trump wrote that the U.S. would implement a 10 percent tariff starting February 1, rising to 25 percent on June 1 where it would remain until a deal on Greenland is reached.
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