The European Union is preparing to hold an extraordinary summit in the coming days after President Donald Trump escalated tensions by threatening tariffs on eight allied countries amid a dispute over Greenland.
European Council President António Costa announced the urgent meeting Sunday evening, emphasizing the need for coordination among the 27 EU member states in light of recent developments. In a joint statement following a member states’ meeting, the EU reaffirmed its firm commitment to international law, territorial integrity, and national sovereignty. Solidarity was expressed with Denmark and Greenland, along with a shared focus on peace and security in the Arctic through NATO cooperation.
The EU leadership strongly condemned the prospect of tariffs, warning that such measures would damage transatlantic relations and violate the existing EU-US trade agreement. Member states declared their readiness to defend against coercion, while remaining open to constructive engagement with the United States on mutual interests.
President Trump intensified his rhetoric by accusing Denmark of failing to address perceived Russian threats to Greenland, tweeting that NATO had urged Denmark for two decades to counter these risks, but “Denmark has been unable to do anything about it.” Trump also reiterated his earlier threats to deploy U.S. troops to Greenland if necessary.
Responding firmly, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to protecting Greenland’s and Denmark’s sovereignty. Speaking with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and European leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, von der Leyen stressed Europe’s determination to safeguard its strategic and security interests with “steadiness and resolve.”
Earlier on Sunday, EU ambassadors held emergency talks in Brussels, concluding after three hours. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen expressed satisfaction with the continent’s unified stance, declaring, “Europe will not be blackmailed.” Denmark maintains ownership of the semi-autonomous Arctic island at the heart of the dispute.
Reports indicate that France is urging the EU to consider activating an “anti-coercion instrument” — a trade defense mechanism never before used — should the U.S. proceed with tariff threats. However, such a move would require consensus from EU leaders.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer engaged in multiple calls over the weekend with European and NATO officials. His office confirmed Starmer’s message to President Trump that imposing tariffs on NATO allies for pursuing collective security is “wrong.” The UK is among the eight countries facing planned U.S. tariffs starting at 10% on February 1, increasing to 25% in June, until the U.S. secures a deal to purchase Greenland from Denmark. Other affected countries include Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Finland.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen emphasized that the United States is more than its president, citing the country’s checks and balances. He warned that Trump’s tariff threats endanger the existing world order and NATO’s future but stressed Denmark’s commitment to resolving the dispute diplomatically.
Norway’s Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide added that NATO members remain ready to cooperate with the U.S. to bolster Arctic security.
The situation remains tense as the EU prepares to convene and confront these unprecedented trade and diplomatic challenges.
Reporting by Lisa Lomami.
