Threats from the White House over Greenland have triggered outrage and urgent diplomacy across Europe, with leaders weighing countermeasures such as retaliatory tariffs and the possible first-ever use of the EU’s anti-coercion instrument. President Donald Trump announced a planned 10% import tax on goods from eight European countries, citing their opposition to US control of Greenland.
The tariff would target Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands and Finland, rising to 25% by June if no deal is reached. European leaders swiftly condemned the move as economic coercion and convened an emergency meeting in Brussels.
00:00Now, dear colleagues, the last days have also seen increased pressure on Denmark and Greenland.
00:09We will debate this later this week, but it is important to say this.
00:15The European Union supports Denmark and the people of Greenland and we do so united in our resolve.
00:30Thank you so much.
01:00Thank you very much.
01:29Thank you very much.
01:59When the people of Greenland look to Europe, they will find understanding and partnership.
02:06I reiterate that now.
02:08Because, friends, I know many here believe in the transatlantic relationship, in our partnership with the United States.
02:15I know many people in the US share that belief too.
02:19We understand the need for Europe to take on more responsibility when it comes to defence and security, including doing more to protect the Arctic.
02:30And we have boosted defence measures and spending as a result.
02:34But we know that transatlantic and Arctic security can be achieved without the destabilising impact of calling Greenland and Denmark's sovereignty into question, or through measures like tariffs.
02:48We know that every serious global issue we must address is better faced when Europe and the United States act in sync with each other.
03:00Each in our own way, with our disagreements, but guided and anchored in the values, freedoms and principles that will always define our relationship, that offer stability.
03:14Europe will always be open to continue to discuss in a spirit of mutual respect.
03:22Now, I know that some will mistake our way of calm, restraint and dialogue for weakness.
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