Trump Warns European Allies of Tariffs Amid Greenland Tensions
JAKARTA. Relations between the United States (US) and European countries have heated up again. US President Donald Trump has issued a threat to impose import tariffs on several European nations if they continue to oppose his plan to acquire Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory under the Kingdom of Denmark.
Trump delivered the threat via his social media platform Truth Social on Saturday (17/1/2026). He stated that eight European NATO member countries would face additional tariffs if no agreement is reached regarding the US purchase of Greenland.
“Goods from eight NATO members shipped to the US will face increased tariffs until a deal is reached for the complete and total purchase of Greenland,” Trump wrote, as quoted by CNBCIndonesia on Sunday (18/1).
Trump detailed that the import tariffs would start at 10% on February 1, 2026, and rise to 25% by June 1, 2026. The countries targeted by the policy include Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland.
Europe Reacts
The threat immediately drew strong reactions from European leaders. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer considered the use of tariffs against fellow NATO allies to be a misguided move. He emphasized that trade policy should not be used to pressure security cooperation.
French President Emmanuel Macron even described Trump’s threat as unacceptable. “Europe will respond in a united and coordinated manner if this is confirmed. We will ensure that European sovereignty is upheld,” Macron said via the platform X on Saturday (17/1/2026).
Similar positions were expressed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa. Both stated that the European Union stands fully in solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland, while reaffirming their commitment to safeguarding the principles of territorial sovereignty.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said he was surprised by the tariff threat. He noted that Trump’s statement came shortly after what he described as a constructive meeting with US Vice President JD Vance and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Amid rising tensions, the European Union held an emergency meeting on Sunday afternoon London time, as reported by Reuters. Finnish President Alexander Stubb also called on all parties to remain calm and prioritize dialogue.
“Among allies, issues are best resolved through discussion, not pressure,” Stubb wrote on the platform X. He also warned that additional tariffs above 15% on EU exports and 10% on UK exports would negatively affect transatlantic relations.
“European countries are united. We emphasize the principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty. We support Denmark and Greenland. Dialogue with the United States continues. Tariffs will damage transatlantic relations and risk causing a dangerous downward spiral,” he continued.
The Greenland issue itself has long been a source of tension. Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire to control the mineral-rich island on the grounds of US national security interests, including preventing Russian and Chinese influence. However, both Denmark and the Greenland government have consistently rejected the idea. (KEN)
