Trump tariff threat over Greenland 'unacceptable', European leaders say

January 18, 2026

President Donald Trump has threatened to impose 10% tariffs on eight allied nations—Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland—starting February 1st, with potential increases to 25% in June, as leverage to acquire Greenland from Denmark. European leaders have strongly condemned this action, with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer calling it "completely wrong" and French President Emmanuel Macron labeling it "unacceptable," while the EU has called an emergency meeting to coordinate a response. Trump claims Greenland is critical for US security interests in the Arctic region, though opinion polls show 85% of Greenlanders oppose joining the United States.

Who is affected

Eight allied nations: Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland (targeted by tariffs)
Greenland's population and government (subject of proposed takeover)
European Union and its 27 member countries
NATO allies collectively
US exporters and consumers (through potential retaliatory measures)
Greenlanders (85% oppose joining the US according to polls)
US Congress members and political leaders
Protesters in Greenland (Nuuk) and Denmark (Copenhagen)

What action is being taken

Trump is implementing 10% tariffs on goods from eight countries starting February 1st
The European Union is holding an emergency meeting on Sunday at 17:00 Brussels time with ambassadors from all 27 countries
France, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Finland, the Netherlands, and the UK have dispatched troops to Greenland on a reconnaissance mission
Thousands of people are protesting in Greenland and Denmark against the proposed US takeover
Sweden is having intensive discussions with other EU countries, Norway, and the UK to find a joint response
Democratic Representative Gregory Meeks is offering a resolution to terminate the tariffs

Why it matters

This situation represents a significant escalation in tensions between the United States and its closest NATO allies, threatening the foundational principles of the transatlantic alliance. The use of tariffs as coercive tools against allies undermines collective security arrangements and risks creating divisions that benefit adversaries like China and Russia, as noted by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. The dispute challenges fundamental principles of international law, including territorial integrity and sovereignty, and could trigger a dangerous downward spiral in trade relations that affects the still-to-be-ratified EU-US trade deal. Additionally, the conflict raises questions about US commitment to NATO and European security cooperation in the strategically important Arctic region, while disregarding the self-determination rights of Greenland's population.

What's next

The 10% tariffs are scheduled to come into force on February 1st
Tariffs could potentially rise to 25% in June
The European Union emergency meeting with ambassadors from 27 countries is scheduled for Sunday at 17:00 Brussels time (16:00 GMT)
Trump will face European leaders including Ursula von der Leyen and Emmanuel Macron at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland this week
US and Danish officials have agreed to set up a high-level working group to discuss the future of Greenland
The European Parliament's EPP group is putting approval of the EU-US trade deal on hold and freezing 0% tariffs on US products
Democratic Representative Gregory Meeks will be offering a resolution to terminate the tariffs

Read full article from source: BBC