European leaders slams Trump’s tariff threat over Greenland issue as 'unacceptable'

European leaders have strongly rebuked US President Donald Trump’s threat to impose tariffs on eight allied countries after they opposed his proposal to purchase Greenland.

The proposed tariffs, starting at 10 percent on exports to the US from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland from February 1, could rise to 25 percent until a Greenland deal is reached.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the move “completely wrong,” while French President Emmanuel Macron labeled the threat “unacceptable.”

The announcement prompted an emergency European Union meeting in Brussels on Sunday, attended by envoys from all 27 member states.

Trump has described Greenland as “strategically vital” for US security and suggested it should come under American control, even hinting at potential use of force. His remarks have fueled protests in Greenland and Denmark, with demonstrators denouncing US interference.

Greenland, though sparsely populated, is rich in natural resources and holds strategic importance for Arctic defense and missile early-warning systems.

EU officials stressed that the island’s sovereignty must be respected and warned that tariff threats could destabilise transatlantic relations.

European leaders, including Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell, reaffirmed unified opposition to coercion, citing international law and the risk of benefiting geopolitical rivals such as China and Russia.

Meanwhile, US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz defended the US stance, claiming Greenland would be safer under American protection.

Protests continue in Nuuk and Copenhagen, with local leaders and citizens voicing strong opposition to US acquisition plans.