European countries reacted strongly on Sunday after US President Donald Trump announced a plan to impose a 10 per cent tariff on eight countries that oppose American control over Greenland. In an official
statement, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom reaffirmed their commitment to unity, sovereignty and transatlantic cooperation.
The countries said that as NATO members, they remain committed to strengthening Arctic security as a shared transatlantic priority.
Statement by Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom:
As members of NATO, we are committed to strengthening Arctic security as a shared transatlantic interest. The pre-coordinated Danish exercise „Arctic Endurance“ conducted…
— Dick Schoof (@MinPres) January 18, 2026
They noted that the Danish-led military exercise “Arctic Endurance,” conducted alongside allied forces, was aimed at meeting security needs in the region and posed no threat to any nation.
Warning against escalation, the statement said tariff threats undermine transatlantic relations and risk triggering a “dangerous downward spiral.” The countries said they would remain united and coordinated in their response, while firmly upholding their sovereignty.
“Tariff threats undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral. We will continue to stand united and coordinated in our response. We are committed to upholding our sovereignty,” the statement added.
The move by Trump has caused concern across Europe, with officials warning it could damage long-standing transatlantic relations and benefit rival powers such as China and Russia.
The announcement by the US President on Saturday came as thousands of Greenlanders were concluding a protest outside the US Consulate in Nuuk, opposing American pressure over the Arctic territory.
Greenland is a semi-autonomous region of Denmark and part of the NATO alliance. The President suggested the tariffs were intended to push Denmark and other European nations into talks over Greenland, which he considers vital to US national security.
