U.S. Tariff Threats Strain Ties With European Allies Over Greenland Dispute

MLN — 19 JAN 2026: President Donald Trump announced new 10 % tariffs on goods from eight European countries that opposed U.S. pressure related to Greenland, escalating a dispute that has drawn sharp criticism from NATO allies and the European Union, according to government statements and diplomatic sources

The tariff threat targets Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland, with the rate set to increase to 25 % on June 1 unless Washington and Copenhagen reach a negotiated agreement on the United States’ proposed acquisition of Greenland. Trump said the measures are tied to what he described as strategic and security interests in the Arctic.

European governments strongly condemned the announcement, saying the threatened tariffs risk undermining long-standing transatlantic relations and could trigger a “dangerous downward spiral” in diplomatic and economic ties, according to joint statements from capitals including Berlin and Paris. Denmark’s foreign minister said the moves may violate existing trade commitments and urged continued dialogue. As Reported AP

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Officials from Greenland welcomed Europe’s unified response and reaffirmed support for their island’s ties to Denmark, while Nordic leaders and EU diplomats said the situation highlights the importance of NATO unity and respect for national sovereignty.

Meetings among EU ambassadors and Nordic representatives were convened to coordinate responses and assess potential collective trade actions.

The tariff dispute follows broader tensions over Arctic security and U.S. ambitions involving Greenland’s strategic location and resources, and has stirred protests in Denmark and Greenland in recent days. European leaders emphasized the need for constructive engagement and warned that economic pressure tactics could have far-reaching consequences beyond trade policy.