European leaders condemn Trump's threat of additional tariffs related to Greenland

JAKARTA - A number of European leaders in a joint statement issued Sunday condemned US President Donald Trump's threat to impose additional tariffs on countries that oppose the US attempt to take over Greenland.

European leaders warned that the move risked causing a "dangerous downward spiral" in transatlantic relations.

In a joint statement with the eight countries targeted by President Trump's new tariffs, they said they "stand in full solidarity" with Denmark and the people of Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory.

"By continuing the process that started last week, we are ready to engage in a dialogue based on the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity that we firmly support," Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom said in the statement, reported Al Jazeera (19/1).

"The threat of tariffs damages the transatlantic relationship and risks causing a dangerous downward spiral. We will continue to be united and coordinated in our response. We are committed to upholding our sovereignty," they warned.

The criticism comes as European officials are preparing to hold emergency talks on coordinating a response to Trump's escalating campaign of pressure over the future of the major island.

European Council President Antonio Costa said on Sunday the bloc was united in upholding national sovereignty and to "defend ourselves against any form of coercion" ahead of an extraordinary meeting of member states planned in the coming days.

European officials are expected to discuss a range of options to respond to President Trump's economic threats, including retaliatory tariffs and market restrictions for US companies.

Earlier, President Trump on Saturday announced that the eight countries would face a 10 percent tariff starting February 1, increasing to 25 percent starting June 1, until an agreement is reached for the US to buy Greenland.

The Financial Times reported that the bloc is considering imposing tariffs worth 93 billion euros ($108 billion) on US goods as well as activating the Anti-Coercion Instrument, commonly known as the "trade bazooka", which was adopted by the bloc in 2023.

The mechanism, which has never been used, allows for broad restrictions on investment and the removal of intellectual property protection for foreign companies in the bloc.

"The Anti-Coercion Instrument (ACI), which was specifically designed for cases like this, must now be used," said German MEP Bernd Lange, who heads the European Parliament's trade committee, in a post on X.

"I call on the European Commission to activate it immediately," he added.

President Trump's dogged pursuit of Greenland has plunged US-European relations to their lowest point in decades, sparking fears for the survival of NATO.

Trump, who has not ruled out using military force to seize the territory, has shrugged off concerns about fracturing the 32-nation transatlantic alliance, which was built on the principle that an armed attack against one member is considered an attack against all members.

The Republican politician reiterated his determination for the US to take over Greenland in a social media post on Monday morning, claiming Denmark "can't do anything" against Russia's threats to the territory.

"Now is the time, and it will be done!!!" President Trump said on Truth Social.

Denmark itself has refused to sell Greenland, while polls show most of the island's 57,000 residents do not want to be part of the Uncle Sam's country.

Yesterday, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen expressed her appreciation for the "strong support" given to her country.

"We want to cooperate, and it is not us who are looking for conflict. And I am pleased with the consistent messages from all continents: Europe will not be intimidated," Prime Minister Frederiksen said in a statement on social media.

Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron said "no intimidation or threats" would affect his government's position on Greenland.

"The threat of tariffs is unacceptable and has no place in this context," President Macron said on social media.

"European citizens will respond unitedly and in a coordinated manner if it is confirmed. We will ensure that European sovereignty is upheld," he said.

Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called President Trump's tariff plan "completely wrong."

"Of course we will follow up on this directly with the US government," he posted on social media.