Sign In
By signing in or creating an account, you agree with Associated Broadcasting Company's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
By signing in or creating an account, you agree with Associated Broadcasting Company's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
New Delhi: A day after US President Donald Trump unveiled a sharp tariff threat linked to Greenland, eight European countries issued a joint statement on Sunday declaring full solidarity with the Kingdom of Denmark and the people of Greenland. The statement, reported by Reuters, came amid growing unease in Europe over Arctic security and the risk of a widening transatlantic trade dispute.
The joint declaration was signed by Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Britain, following Trump’s remarks that he could impose sweeping tariffs if no agreement was reached over Greenland.
“We stand in full solidarity with the Kingdom of Denmark and the people of Greenland,” the European countries said in their statement, underlining political unity in the face of mounting pressure from Washington.
The countries also highlighted shared defence concerns in the Arctic, saying, “As members of NATO, we are committed to strengthening Arctic security as a shared transatlantic interest.” The emphasis on NATO signalled Europe’s view that Arctic stability is a collective responsibility rather than a bargaining tool.
Trump announced on Saturday that a 10 per cent tariff would be imposed from February 1, 2026, on imports from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands and Finland. He warned that the levy would rise to 25 per cent from June 1, 2026, if no agreement on Greenland is reached.
The European statement criticised the approach, cautioning that economic coercion could damage long-standing partnerships. “Tariff threats undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral,” it said, reflecting concerns that trade measures could spill over into wider political and security cooperation.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre urged caution, warning against an uncontrolled escalation. “I think we should be very careful not to have a trade war that spirals out of control. I don’t think anyone benefits from that,” Reuters quoted him as saying, stressing the need for dialogue to prevent further deterioration.
European Council President Antonio Costa said the European Union was coordinating a collective response, adding that the bloc would firmly defend international law. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed concerns, warning that the tariff threats could seriously harm transatlantic relations.
While announcing the measures, Trump argued that the US had been “subsidising” European nations for centuries and claimed that “world peace is at stake.” He said tariffs would remain until a deal for Greenland’s “complete and total purchase” is reached, arguing that the Arctic island is vital to global security amid interest from China and Russia.
The episode has intensified European anxiety over the use of trade pressure as a diplomatic weapon, with leaders warning that the economic fallout could be significant if tensions continue to rise.
