European countries are showing a firm response after US President Donald Trump announced new tariffs. On Saturday, Trump introduced a 10 percent import tariff on countries that provided military support to Greenland. Those countries acted after repeated American claims over the Arctic territory. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson responded sharply: “We will not be blackmailed. Only Denmark and Greenland decide on matters that concern Denmark and Greenland.”
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“I will always stand up for my country and for our allied neighbouring countries. This is an EU issue that affects far more countries than those currently being named. Sweden is now holding intensive talks with other EU countries, Norway and the United Kingdom to reach a joint response,” Kristersson added.
And the Swedish prime minister’s reaction is not an isolated case. Across Europe, governments have expressed serious concern about the tariffs. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre wrote: “Threats have no place among allies. Norway’s position is firm: Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark.”
“No intimidation will influence us”
French President Emmanuel Macron was equally outspoken: “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. Tariff threats are unacceptable and have no place in this context. Europeans will respond in a united and coordinated manner should they be confirmed. We will ensure that European sovereignty is upheld.”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also reacted strongly: “Our position on Greenland is very clear – it is part of the Kingdom of Denmark and its future is a matter for the Greenlanders and the Danes. 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. 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.”
“Tariffs risk a dangerous downward spiral”
Finnish President Alexander Stubb, who is known for maintaining good relations with President Trump, also spoke out firmly: “Strengthening Arctic security together with allies is very important for Finland. This is also the purpose of the Danish-led and allied-coordinated action in Greenland.” He warned about the broader consequences of Washington’s increasingly forceful claims. “Tariffs would undermine the transatlantic relationship and risk a dangerous downward spiral.”
And European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen summed up the European position: “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 stressed that dialogue with the United States remains important and will continue, but also issued a warning about the tougher tone coming from the White House. “Tariffs would undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral. Europe will remain united, coordinated, and committed to upholding its sovereignty.”
Strikingly unified response
European reactions have been strikingly unified. On Sunday, EU ambassadors will already meet for initial consultations to prepare a first coordinated response towards Washington. Early signals point to the possible freezing of the recent trade deal between the United States and Europe. In the past, the European Union often took a cautious and conciliatory approach in talks with Washington. But with the sovereignty of a transatlantic partner now being openly questioned, Europe’s tone may be shifting towards a more confrontational stance
