In his message on the social network Truth, Trump stated that the tariffs would apply to the United Kingdom, Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, Finland, France, and Sweden, and would remain in effect until an agreement is reached regarding the transfer of Greenland to the United States.
Trump also warned that if a deal is not reached by June 1, the tariff rate will increase to 25%.
“We have long subsidized Denmark and other European Union countries without receiving any rewards from them. Now it is time for Denmark to pay back, as the world is at stake! China and Russia are eager to take over Greenland, and Denmark cannot handle it,” Trump stated, reiterating the theme of protecting Greenland.
In response to Trump's threats to impose tariffs, eight European countries issued a joint statement.
“As NATO members, we are committed to strengthening security in the Arctic, which is a common interest for the transatlantic community. The joint Danish exercises Arctic Endurance pose no threat and are necessary to support this goal,” the statement said.
“We express our full support for Denmark and the people of Greenland and are ready for dialogue based on the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, which we firmly uphold,” they added.
The document claims that the threat of tariffs undermines transatlantic relations and poses a risk to security. “We will act as a united front in our response,” the statement emphasizes.
The joint statement was signed by the governments of Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.
Over the weekend, mass protests against the U.S. plans to seize the island took place in Greenland and Denmark.
European states supported Denmark, stating that the security of the Arctic region should be a shared responsibility of NATO.
“Imposing tariffs on the security of NATO allies is completely wrong. We will discuss this issue directly with the U.S. administration,” noted UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
“We will not succumb to blackmail,” added Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, noting that Sweden is actively negotiating with other EU countries and the UK to formulate a joint response.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni characterized Trump's threats as a mistake. “I believe that imposing new sanctions would be the wrong step. I recently spoke with Trump and expressed my point of view to him,” she said.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also supported the joint statement, adding that Denmark is receiving support from all its European neighbors and is actively negotiating with the UK, France, and Germany.
“I am glad that Europe is not succumbing to blackmail,” Frederiksen noted.
Norwegian and Danish Foreign Ministers, Espen Barth Eide and Lars Løkke Rasmussen, also expressed similar views after a meeting in Oslo.
The Danish minister expressed hope that negotiations with the U.S. would continue, and “the president would abandon his dream of buying Greenland.”
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte reported on the social network X about his conversation with Donald Trump, during which the situation around Greenland was discussed. “We will continue to work, and I look forward to meeting him this week in Davos,” he noted.
On Wednesday, Trump will meet with European leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Following Trump's repeated statements about claims to Greenland, eight European countries sent military personnel to the island for a reconnaissance mission aimed at strengthening security in the region.
