European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa cautioned that potential US tariffs related to Greenland could harm transatlantic relations and lead to a negative cycle. Emphasizing the importance of territorial integrity and sovereignty in international law, they affirmed Europe’s unity and commitment to defending its sovereignty.
Their statement followed US President Donald Trump’s announcement of imposing a 10% tariff on goods from several European countries starting February 1, with a possible increase to 25% in June unless an agreement is reached for the US to acquire Greenland. Nordic leaders advocated for resolving disputes through dialogue rather than coercion, with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen expressing surprise at the tariff threat and highlighting close coordination with the European Commission.
Greenland, a self-governing territory under Denmark’s sovereignty, houses a US military base and has been a focal point of Trump’s interest since his return to office in 2025.
