Europe accuses Trump of blackmail with tariffs on Greenland

The European Union (EU) promised to give a coordinated response to the tariffs imposed by Donald Trump this Saturday (17) against eight countries in the bloc that reject negotiating the purchase of Greenland. The president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, warned that the measures “harm transatlantic relations” and could trigger a crisis in the relationship between Americans and Europeans.

In a post on X, Von der Leyen also guaranteed that Europe will remain “united, coordinated and committed to defending its sovereignty”. Other European authorities have made it clear that they will not accept external pressure to redefine territorial borders.

Trump announced 10% tariffs on Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland. The percentage could rise to 25% in June. The surcharges will remain until Washington and the Danish government reach a “complete and total agreement” for the sale of the autonomous territory.

The president of the European Council, António Costa, defended a “firm response”. He criticized the use of punitive tariffs between allies and highlighted that trade disputes must be resolved through negotiation and opening markets. Costa made the statements in Paraguay, where the EU has just closed a trade agreement with Mercosur.

Leaders speak of “threat to sovereignty”

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen expressed surprise at the tariffs. He denied that European troops were sent to Greenland for “unknown purposes”, as Trump claimed

According to Rasmussen, the operation seeks to reinforce security in the Arctic, as the region is no longer a low tension zone. The Danish Chancellor also stated that all actions were coordinated with Washington and the EU, “with complete transparency”.

Keir Starmer, British Prime Minister, called the tariffs “completely disastrous”. He said Greenland’s future should be decided by its people and Denmark, not by impositions from Washington.

Emmanuel Macron was more blunt. The French president compared the defense of European sovereignty to the fight for Ukrainian independence and highlighted the need to resist what he called “blackmail”. “France will support the sovereignty of its partners,” he said.

The Prime Minister of Sweden, Ulf Kristersson, reinforced that European countries will act together. “We will not be intimidated,” he said.

Emergency meeting

An extraordinary meeting of European ambassadors was called in Brussels for Sunday afternoon (18). The meeting’s main objective is to define a common position for the bloc, to avoid isolated responses that weaken the EU’s strategy.

Diplomats will assess what commercial and legal instruments are available to react to American measures, which may include retaliation mechanisms provided for in EU rules. Another focus will be to discuss the limits of using tariffs as an instrument of political coercion between allies.