By chatnewstv.com
BRUSSELS (chatnewstv.com) — European Union leaders issued a stark warning Saturday that new U.S. tariff threats aimed at forcing the sale of Greenland would devastate transatlantic relations and risk a “dangerous downward spiral” for the global economy.
In a rare joint statement, European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed their “full solidarity” with Denmark and the people of Greenland. The response came hours after President Donald Trump announced plans to impose a 10% tariff on eight European allies starting Feb. 1, rising to 25% in June, unless a deal is reached for the U.S. to purchase the Arctic territory.
“Territorial integrity and sovereignty are fundamental principles of international law,” the EU leaders said. “They are essential for Europe and for the international community as a whole.”
Security Dispute Escalates
The friction centers on a recent Danish-led military exercise in Greenland involving troops from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and several Nordic nations. Trump characterized the maneuvers as a “dangerous game” by “unknown” forces, but EU officials defended the mission as a routine effort to bolster Arctic security.
“The pre-coordinated Danish exercise, conducted with allies, responds to the need to strengthen Arctic security and poses no threat to anyone,” the joint statement read, adding that Europe remains committed to the diplomatic process begun last week between Copenhagen and Washington.
‘Completely Wrong’
The backlash was not limited to Brussels. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer took to social media to condemn the use of trade penalties against NATO members.
“Our position on Greenland is very clear – it is part of the Kingdom of Denmark and its future is a matter for the Greenlanders and the Danes,” Starmer said. “Applying tariffs on allies for pursuing the collective security of NATO allies is completely wrong. We will of course be pursuing this directly with the U.S. administration.”
The sentiment was echoed by EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas, who warned that the internal rift only serves the interests of global adversaries.
“China and Russia must be having a field day,” Kallas said. “They are the ones who benefit from divisions among Allies. Tariffs risk making Europe and the United States poorer and undermine our shared prosperity.”
Unified Front
The eight targeted nations—Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland—account for a massive portion of U.S. trade. While Trump has argued the acquisition is vital for his “Golden Dome” missile defense system, European officials have shown no sign of wavering.
“Europe will remain united, coordinated, and committed to upholding its sovereignty,” von der Leyen and Costa concluded.
