In a show of solidarity, the governments of Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom have issued a joint statement condemning U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff threats over his ambitions to annex Greenland. The statement emphasises that such threats undermine transatlantic relations and risk a “dangerous downward spiral,” while reaffirming their commitment to stand united and coordinated in upholding sovereignty.
Reiterating its firm support for the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, the statement said, “We stand in full solidarity with the Kingdom of Denmark and the people of Greenland.” The eight nations, facing 10% American tariff for not agreeing to handing over Greenland to USA, said that they “stand ready to engage in a dialogue based on the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity that we stand firmly behind.”
The statement added, “Tariff threats undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral. We will continue to stand united and coordinated in our response. We are committed to upholding our sovereignty.”
The joint declaration comes amid escalating tensions following Trump’s announcement on Truth Social of a 10% tariff on goods from eight European countries, set to increase to 25% if no deal is reached for the purchase of Greenland. European leaders have reacted strongly to the threat, and have issued statements. French President Emmanuel Macron declared that “intimidation or threats will not affect us – neither in Ukraine, nor in Greenland,” adding that tariff threats are “unacceptable and have no place in this context.” He promised a “united and coordinated” European response to protect sovereignty, amid reports of France deploying additional military forces to Greenland to bolster presence.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson asserted on X that “Europe will not be blackmailed by Trump,” emphasising that the issue concerns the entire European Union. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said that “Threats have no place among allies.” He added, “Norway’s position is firm: Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Norway fully supports the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Denmark. There is broad agreement in NATO on the need to strengthen security in the Arctic, including in Greenland.”
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide echoed this sentiment, stating that tariffs “should not be a tool for negotiations over Greenland”. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer criticised the tariffs as “completely wrong,” particularly on allies, and backed Greenland despite the U.S. threat. Finnish President Alexander Stubb highlighted unity among European countries, stressing “the principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty” and support for Denmark and Greenland, while noting that dialogue with the U.S. continues but tariffs risk undermining relations.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed full solidarity with Denmark and Greenland, warning that tariffs would “undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral,” and affirmed Europe’s commitment to remaining united and coordinated.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen cited “fundamental differences” with the U.S., as Denmark deploys troops to defend Greenland. The German Federal Government said it is consulting with European partners on responses. The European Union has vowed a coordinated response, with ambassadors summoned for emergency talks and leaders like European Council President Antonio Costa coordinating a joint reply without disclosing details.
French President Emmanuel Macron is reportedly working to coordinate a European response and is pushing for activation of the Anti-Coercion Instrument, which could limit access to public tenders in the bloc or restrict trade in services in which the U.S. has a surplus with the EU.
