EU Leaders Unite Against US Pressure
European leaders have vowed to remain united after President Donald Trump threatened to impose new tariffs on multiple countries unless Denmark agrees to sell Greenland. From Ursula von der Leyen to French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, EU officials emphasized their commitment to defending Europe’s sovereignty and coordinating a joint response. Trump announced plans to levy an extra 10% tariff on goods from eight European nations starting February 1, with the possibility of increasing it to 25% by June.
Greenland Dispute Sparks Tensions
The spat stems from a joint European mission to Greenland, aimed at Arctic exploration and security, which the White House has criticized. Trump framed Greenland as a strategic asset and demanded its purchase, escalating tensions with Denmark and its allies. European officials, including Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, pushed back, stressing the mission’s purpose is to strengthen Arctic security. EU leaders warned that the tariffs risk triggering a dangerous trade conflict and undermining transatlantic relations.
Calls for Retaliation Grow
The dispute has renewed debates in the European Parliament about using the EU’s anti-coercion trade tool, sometimes called the “trade bazooka.” Adopted in 2023, this measure allows the EU to block foreign access to public procurement, limit trade licenses, and restrict single market entry in response to political pressure. German parliamentarian Bernd Lange called for immediate action, accusing Trump of using trade as a weapon against allies. Manfred Weber, leader of the European People’s Party, also urged freezing the EU-US trade deal until the Greenland threat is resolved, signaling that Europe is preparing to fight back if necessary.
