Brussels is on high alert after President Donald Trump targeted European allies with tariff threats linked to his ambition to buy Greenland. The EU warns Trump’s tariff threat might cause diplomatic chaos and destabilize the transatlantic partnership. An emergency meeting of the EU’s 27 envoys has been scheduled for Sunday to address what officials are calling a potential “downward spiral.”
The joint statement from EU leaders Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa was unequivocal. They stated that imposing tariffs on friends and allies risks dangerous consequences for global stability. The leaders pledged that Europe would remain united and committed to its sovereignty, refusing to bow to economic pressure regarding territorial integrity.
The stakes are high for European exporters. Trump announced that from February 1, countries such as France, the UK, Sweden, and Finland would face a 10% tariff on all goods sent to the US. He warned that this would increase to 25% by June 1, contingent on whether a deal for Greenland is reached. This deadline has added urgency to the diplomatic response.
In the same communication, the EU clarified the context of recent military maneuvers in the Arctic. Dismissing concerns that these were aggressive, the leaders noted the exercises were pre-coordinated Danish operations aimed at strengthening security. They highlighted that a secure Arctic is a shared interest for both Europe and the United States.
The EU has firmly sided with Denmark, emphasizing solidarity in the face of these demands. Although they noted that talks between the Danish Kingdom and the US are ongoing, the bloc is preparing to defend its collective interests. Sunday’s meeting at 4:00 GMT will be crucial in determining how the EU navigates this complex mix of trade and territorial dispute.