Trump threatens 10% tariffs on eight countries deploying troops to Greenland...Europe prepares joint response

[The Financial News] After United States President Donald John Trump announced that, starting next month on the 1st, he would impose a 10% tariff on imports from eight European countries opposing Washington’s plan to annex Greenland—and raise that tariff to 25% from June 1—European nations reacted with strong resistance.
On the 17th (local time), Donald John Trump wrote on Truth Social, naming eight countries—Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland—and declared that “the countries that are playing this very dangerous game have created an unacceptable and unsustainable level of risk,” as he announced his plan to impose the tariffs.
Recently, as the United States raised the prospect of military action while declaring its intention to purchase Greenland, Denmark, the state directly concerned, and these other countries began deploying troops to Greenland. Although the official justification was joint exercises to defend key facilities and the deployments were limited in scale, some observers interpreted the moves as a kind of show of force directed at Washington.
In response, Donald John Trump said, “It is essential that we take strong measures so that this potentially dangerous situation is brought to a swift and unequivocal end,” adding, “From 1 February 2026, all of the aforementioned countries will face a 10% tariff on all goods they export to the United States.”
He went on to say, “On 1 June 2026, the tariff will be raised to 25%,” and that “these tariffs will remain in place until an agreement is reached on the full and comprehensive purchase of Greenland.” This move came just one day after he said at a roundtable at The White House that he “could impose tariffs on countries that do not cooperate on the Greenland issue,” and then proceeded to act on that threat.
Governments in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Sweden and other countries sharply criticized Donald John Trump and declared their intention to respond.
United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, “It is completely wrong to impose tariffs on allies simply because North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies are pursuing collective security,” adding, “I will raise this issue directly with the United States government.” He stressed, “Our position on Greenland is very clear: Greenland is part of Denmark, and the future of Greenland is a matter for the people of Greenland and Denmark.” He added, “Arctic security is an issue for NATO as a whole,” and said, “Allies must work more closely together across the Arctic to counter Russia’s threats.”
France President Emmanuel Macron also stated, “Whether it is Ukraine, Greenland, or any other place in the world, intimidation and threats cannot influence us,” and said, “We cannot tolerate tariff threats.” He added, “Tariff threats are not appropriate in the current situation,” warning that “if they are actually confirmed, Europeans will respond in a united and coordinated manner.” The Germany government likewise said in a statement, “We are aware of the remarks by the United States president and are in close consultation with our European partners,” adding, “We will jointly decide on appropriate response measures at the appropriate time.”
Sweden Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson likewise said, “We will not yield to threats,” and stressed that “only Denmark and Greenland can decide on their own affairs.” Calling it “a matter for the whole of Europe,” he said, “We are engaged in intensive discussions to find joint response measures with other European Union (EU) member states as well as Norway and the United Kingdom.” Denmark Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, from another Nordic country directly involved in the issue, said he was “surprised” by Donald John Trump’s sudden tariff announcement and pointed out that “the increase in troops stationed in Greenland is aimed at strengthening Arctic security.” He added, “We are in close consultation with the European Commission (EC) and other partners.”
In connection with this, European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen said, “Tariffs will undermine transatlantic relations and trigger a dangerous vicious cycle,” stressing that “Europe will remain united and cooperative, and will be committed to defending its sovereignty.” António Costa, president of the European Council, said, “We are coordinating a joint response by EU member states,” and added, “The EU firmly upholds international law wherever it applies, and that is all the more true within the territory of EU member states.” EU ambassadors are reportedly scheduled to hold an emergency meeting in Brussels, Kingdom of Belgium, on the 18th to discuss response measures.
whywani@fnnews.com Hong Chae-wan Reporter