The European Union expressed robust backing for Denmark and Greenland, emphasizing the significance of territorial integrity and adherence to international law, following US President Donald Trump’s announcement of extensive tariffs on various European nations while renewing his long-term interest in acquiring Greenland.
On X, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, stated, “Territorial integrity and sovereignty are core tenets of international law. They are vital for Europe and the entire international community.” She noted that the EU has consistently highlighted its mutual transatlantic priorities related to peace and security in the Arctic, especially through NATO.
A crowd marches to the US consulate to protest against Trump’s stance on Greenland in Nuuk, Greenland, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)
In defense of recent military maneuvers in the region, she remarked that the “pre-coordinated Danish exercise, carried out with allies, addresses the necessity to bolster Arctic security and poses no threat to anyone.” Stressing unity, the Commission President asserted, “The EU stands wholly in solidarity with Denmark and the citizens of Greenland. Ongoing dialogue is crucial, and we are dedicated to enhancing the process initiated last week between the Kingdom of Denmark and the US.”
She also delivered a stern message regarding trade tensions, asserting, “Tariffs would jeopardize transatlantic relationships and could lead to a perilous downward spiral. Europe will remain unified, coordinated, and dedicated to maintaining its sovereignty.”
European Council President António Costa reiterated this sentiment in a similar statement, underscoring that territorial integrity and sovereignty are non-negotiable aspects of international law and emphasizing the necessity for conversation and cohesion amidst heightened geopolitical strains in the Arctic.
The EU’s response comes in the wake of US President Donald Trump’s announcement on Saturday imposing tariffs on eight European nations—Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland—linking this action to what he characterized as escalating security threats surrounding Greenland.
In his statement, Trump claimed that the United States has “subsidised Denmark, and all of the Countries of the European Union” for years by refraining from imposing tariffs, adding that “now, after centuries, it is time for Denmark to reciprocate.”
He asserted that Greenland has become pivotal to global security concerns, warning that “World Peace is at stake! China and Russia desire Greenland, and there is nothing Denmark can do about it.” Trump ridiculed Denmark’s security presence in the territory, noting that it currently relies on “two dogsleds for protection, with one added recently.”
“Nobody will touch this sacred piece of land,” Trump declared, adding that “the National Security of the United States, and the World at large, is at stake.” He also alleged that Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland have “journeyed to Greenland, for purposes unknown,” labeling the situation as “very dangerous for the Safety, Security, and Survival of our Planet.”
The escalating rhetoric has started to impact EU–US trade discussions. Siegfried Mureșan, a Member of the European Parliament, commented, “We were about to ratify the EU-US trade agreement from last July in the European Parliament, which would reduce tariffs for imports from the US into the European Union to 0%.”
“That ratification will need to be postponed a bit longer in this new context,” he added.
We were about to ratify the EU-US trade deal from last July in the European Parliament, which would reduce tariffs for imports from the US into the EU to 0%.
That ratification will need to be delayed a bit longer in this new context.— Siegfried Muresan ???????????????? (@SMuresan) January 17, 2026
These developments signify a new strain in transatlantic relations, with the European Union indicating that while it remains committed to dialogue with Washington, it will uphold its stance on sovereignty, international law, and economic stability.
