European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared at the World Economic Forum in Davos that the European Union’s reaction to US President Donald Trump’s tariffs on European nations regarding Greenland will be resolute, unified, and proportionate. Leyen emphasized the importance of the US-EU relationship, stating that escalating tensions would benefit common adversaries. She proposed enhanced collaboration with the US in the Arctic region and criticized the imposition of additional tariffs as a misstep, highlighting the necessity of achieving Arctic security collectively.
The EU leader referenced a trade deal with the US signed in July 2025, which included a comprehensive 15% tariff on most EU goods. Leyen underscored the significance of honoring agreements in both politics and business, emphasizing the value of commitments between friends. The remarks followed Trump’s threats of new tariffs on European nations supporting Greenland, prompting the EU to consider potential responses while maintaining open diplomatic channels.
Ursula von der Leyen stressed the need to unequivocally respect the sovereignty of Greenland and Denmark, particularly in the context of the transatlantic relationship. She highlighted discussions with a bipartisan US congressional delegation at Davos on efforts towards peace in Ukraine and the importance of EU-US coordination for security and prosperity. Leyen reiterated the EU’s readiness to collaborate closely with the US, NATO, and allies, emphasizing the mutual benefits of transatlantic trade and investment and the detrimental impact of tariffs on shared interests.
President Trump recently announced on social media the imposition of a 10% tariff on goods from several European countries, escalating to 25% by June if an agreement is not reached for the US to acquire Greenland. Greenland, a self-governing territory under Denmark, has been a focal point of US interest, with Trump expressing a desire to acquire the island since his return to office in 2025.
