EU, UK support Denmark as Trump revives Greenland tariff threat

French President Emmanuel Macron has taken a firm stand against tariff threats issued by US President Donald Trump over Greenland, calling them “unacceptable” and warning that Europe will respond together if such steps are confirmed. In a strong and clearly worded post on X, Macron said France will not bow to intimidation or pressure, whether related to Ukraine, Greenland, or any other region.

France is committed to the sovereignty and independence of nations, in Europe and elsewhere. This guides our choices. It underpins our commitment to the United Nations and to its Charter.

It is on this basis that we support, and will continue to support Ukraine…

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) January 17, 2026

The issue has triggered sharp reactions across Europe after Trump threatened to impose tariffs on several European countries unless Denmark agrees to sell Greenland to the United States. European leaders have stressed unity, sovereignty, and respect for international law as tensions rise.

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Macron’s clear message on sovereignty and security

Macron said France’s actions are guided by a deep commitment to the sovereignty and independence of nations, both in Europe and elsewhere. He explained that this principle shapes France’s support for the United Nations and its Charter.

Macron said this same belief is the reason France continues to support Ukraine and has helped build what he described as a “coalition of the willing” aimed at securing a strong and lasting peace. According to him, defending sovereignty is not just a political choice, but a matter of shared security.

He made it clear that threats, pressure, or intimidation will not influence France’s decisions. “No intimidation or threat will influence us,” Macron wrote, referring directly to Ukraine, Greenland, and other sensitive regions.

France’s role in Greenland and Arctic security

Macron also explained why France decided to take part in a military exercise organised by Denmark in Greenland. He said France fully stands by this decision because security in the Arctic and at the outer edges of Europe is increasingly important.

Macron said the Arctic region is directly linked to Europe’s future safety. By participating in the exercise, France aims to help protect stability in the region and support its allies.

His message underlined that France sees Arctic security as a shared responsibility and will continue to act where it believes European and global security are at stake.

ALSO READ: ‘Unacceptable’: Macron warns Europe will stand united against Trump on Ukraine and Greenland

Trump’s tariff threat linked to Greenland purchase

The strong response from Europe comes after US President Donald Trump renewed his push to acquire Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark. Trump has argued that Greenland’s strategic location and rich mineral resources are critical for US national security, especially amid growing interest from China and Russia.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump threatened to impose tariffs on several European countries if they do not agree to negotiate a deal. He said a 10 per cent tariff would come into effect from February 1, 2026, and would rise to 25 per cent from June 1, 2026.

The proposed tariffs would apply to goods from Denmark, France, Germany, the UK, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and the Netherlands. Trump said the tariffs would remain until a deal is reached for what he called the “complete and total purchase of Greenland.”

Denmark and Greenland’s leaders have strongly rejected the idea, saying Greenland’s future must be decided by its own people.

UK backs Denmark and criticises tariff approach

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also shared his position in a post on X. He said the UK’s stance on Greenland is clear and unchanged, stressing that Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark.

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.

We have also made clear that Arctic Security matters for the whole of NATO and allies should all do more together to address the threat…

— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) January 17, 2026

Starmer said the future of Greenland is a matter for the Greenlanders and the Danish people alone. He also highlighted the wider importance of Arctic security, saying it matters to all NATO members.

According to Starmer, allies should work together to address threats from Russia across different parts of the Arctic. He strongly criticised the idea of using tariffs against allies, calling it “completely wrong” to penalise countries for supporting NATO’s collective security. He added that the UK will raise the issue directly with the US administration.

European Union shows unity with Denmark and Greenland

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also responded through her X post, saying the EU stands in full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland. She stressed that dialogue with the US remains essential and said the EU is committed to continuing talks already started between Denmark and Washington.

Territorial integrity and sovereignty are fundamental principles of international law.

They are essential for Europe and for the international community as a whole.

We have consistently underlined our shared transatlantic interest in peace and security in the Arctic, including…

— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) January 17, 2026

However, von der Leyen warned that tariffs would damage transatlantic relations and could lead to a dangerous downward spiral. Europe will stand together, work together, and be determined to defend its sovereignty, she said.

An EU representative added that an urgent meeting has already been arranged to talk about the suggested tariffs, thereby underlining the gravity of the case for the union.Greenland at the centre of growing global tensions

Greenland has turned into a strategic hotspot, which is increasing due to its location in the Arctic and its natural resources. The competition for influence and security has become sharper as the global powers are directing their attention more to the region.

For Europe, it is a matter of more than just Greenland. The leaders see it as an issue of international legal rules, national rights, and unity among the allies. For the US, the concern is still with national security and the maintenance of the strategic interests in the long run.

Through the united voice of France, the UK, and the EU, Europe has proclaimed very clearly that the future of Greenland is not for sale and that economic threats will not dictate the choices regarding sovereignty and security.