US President Donald Trump has intensified his push to acquire Greenland, threatening escalating tariffs on imports from eight European nations unless they agree to hand over "complete and total" control of the Arctic territory to the United States.
In a series of statements and posts, Trump declared there is "no going back" on the plan, framing Greenland as essential for "national and world security" amid rising activity from Russia and China in the region. He announced a 10% tariff on "any and all goods" from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland starting February 1, 2026, increasing to 25% by June 1 if no deal is reached.
The threats, renewed ahead of Trump's attendance at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, have sparked sharp rebukes across Europe. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated the EU is "fully prepared to act if necessary," highlighting readiness to deploy tools like the Anti-Coercion Instrument for retaliatory measures, including restrictions on goods, services, intellectual property, and investments. She described the approach as a shift toward "raw power" in global relations, urging Europe to accelerate independence efforts.
UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves, speaking to the BBC, said the government "would never rule anything out" regarding retaliatory tariffs, emphasizing that the UK "will not be buffeted around" and has received assurances the US-UK trade deal remains intact. French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the moves as "fundamentally unacceptable," warning of a drift to a "world without rules" and floating aggressive countermeasures, including potential 200% tariffs on select US products like bourbon or aircraft.
Former NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen called for a firmer European response, arguing "Trump only respects force and strength" and warning that pursuing Greenland could jeopardize NATO's survival. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte stressed the need to maintain focus on supporting Ukraine amid the distractions, noting Russia's intensified attacks despite battlefield setbacks.
Trump's journey to Davos faced a delay when Air Force One encountered a minor electrical issue, pushing his arrival back by about three hours. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged European leaders to "take a deep breath" and engage in dialogue rather than escalate, while expressing disappointment over potential Swiss alignment with the EU.
The EU has suspended ratification of a key US trade deal in response, with potential retaliatory tariffs targeting up to €93 billion in US exports, including livestock, aircraft parts, and whiskey. Markets have reacted with volatility, including sharp drops on Wall Street earlier in the week.
Russian officials and media have welcomed the developments, viewing them as signs of fracturing Western unity, with some drawing parallels to historical territorial disputes while labeling the proposal illegal under international law.
As Trump prepares to address global leaders in Davos, the standoff tests transatlantic alliances, NATO cohesion, and economic stability. European capitals are coordinating responses, with calls for de-escalation through talks on Arctic security clashing against Trump's unyielding stance.
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