Diplomacy

European countries are resolute in their support for Greenland and Denmark, in the face of continued threats by the Trump administration to take control of Greenland, which is a self-administered territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. The latest move by the Trump Whitehouse was to impose a 10% tariff on eight European countries that have declared their support for Greenland and Denmark. Trump wrote on Friday on social media, "Starting on February 1, 2026, all of the above-mentioned countries (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland) will impose a 10% tariff on all goods shipped to the United States. On June 1, 2026, these tariffs will increase to 25%," In a message on X, the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen  said: "Territorial integrity and sovereignty are fundamental principles of international law. They are essential for Europe and the international community as a whole." She added that Europe consistently emphasized in many ways, including through NATO, that they have shared transatlantic interests in peace and security in the Arctic. She also emphasized that the pre-coordinated Danish exercise, held with allies, meets the need to strengthen Arctic security and does not pose a threat to anyone. "The EU stands in full solidarity with the people of Denmark and Greenland. Dialogue remains essential and we are committed to taking forward the process launched last week between the Kingdom of Denmark and the United States," the European Commission President wrote. She also said that the tariffs Trump wants to impose would undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral. EU ambassadors will meet in emergency session on Sunday in Brussels to discuss the matter. This is likely to be followed by a meeting of Foreign Ministers later this week.