'Europe won't be blackmailed,' Danish PM says in wake of Trump Greenland threats

January 19, 2026

US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose escalating tariffs on eight European nations—Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the UK—if they resist his demands to purchase Greenland from Denmark. The initial 10% levy would begin February 1st and potentially increase to 25% by June, remaining in effect until Greenland is sold to the United States. European leaders, including Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, have responded with unified opposition, asserting that Europe will not succumb to such pressure tactics and emphasizing their commitment to sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Who is affected

Denmark and the autonomous territory of Greenland
Eight European nations facing tariffs: Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the UK
European leaders including Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide
NATO members and NATO chief Rutte
Citizens of Greenland and Denmark participating in demonstrations
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Canada's Arctic security interests
US consumers who will pay higher prices due to tariffs on imports

What action is being taken

European leaders are issuing joint statements expressing solidarity with Denmark and Greenland
French President Emmanuel Macron is coordinating the European response to tariff threats
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is pursuing the matter directly with the White House
Canada is increasing Arctic security, strengthening its military, and investing in critical infrastructure
NATO chief Rutte is speaking with Trump regarding the security situation in Greenland and the Arctic
Public demonstrations are being held in Greenland's capital Nuuk and Danish cities
A US Congressional delegation led by Senator Chris Coons is visiting Copenhagen

Why it matters

This situation represents a significant threat to transatlantic relations and the foundational principles of international law, particularly sovereignty and territorial integrity. The use of economic coercion through tariffs against longtime NATO allies undermines decades of cooperative security arrangements and risks creating a dangerous precedent for how nations interact. The dispute threatens Arctic security cooperation at a time when the region's strategic importance is increasing, and it challenges the basic diplomatic norms that have governed peaceful international relations since World War II. Additionally, the controversy exposes rifts in the Western alliance that could weaken collective security arrangements and embolden adversaries.

What's next

The initial 10% tariff is scheduled to come into force on February 1st on goods from the eight European nations
Tariffs could potentially rise to 25% in June
French President Macron will request that the EU activate its "anti-coercion instrument" if Trump imposes the tariffs
Trump will speak at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland on Wednesday, where Macron and other European leaders will also be attending
NATO chief Rutte plans to see Trump in Davos later this week to continue discussions on Greenland and Arctic security

Read full article from source: BBC