EU diplomats will convene on Sunday for an emergency meeting after Donald Trump announced tariffs against European countries over their opposition to US control of Greenland.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated 10 per cent tariffs would come into effect on February 1 on Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands and Finland.
Those tariffs would increase to 25 per cent on June 1 and would continue until a deal is reached for the US to purchase Greenland, Trump stated. The meeting between EU officials will take place at around 5pm local time (4pm GMT, 11am ET).
“World Peace is at stake! China and Russia want Greenland, and there is not a thing Denmark can do about it,” Trump stated. He went on to claim Greenland is only protected by two dogsleds.
It has prompted fury in Europe. “Tariffs would undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral European Commission president,” Ursula von der Leyen and EU Council president Antonio Costa stated in posts on X.
British prime minister Sir Keir Starmer branded the tariffs “completely wrong”, while French president Emmanuel Macron stated the relocate was “unacceptable”, adding: “No intimidation nor threat will influence us, neither in Ukraine, nor in Greenland.”
Trump announcement in full
Alex Croft18 January 2026 03:00
Bel Trew | Why Donald Trump is so resolveated with Greenland
Our chief international correspondent Bel Trew takes a view at Donald Trump’s resolveation with Greenland:
Alex Croft18 January 2026 02:30
Tariffs in ‘no one’s interest’, states Finland’s prime minister
Finland’s prime minister Petteri Orpo stated tariffs would be in “no-one’s interest” and would harm the US and Europe.
Writing on social media, he stated: “Finland’s position is that issues among allies are resolved through discussion and shared rules, not by creating pressure. The United States has raised concerns related to the Arctic region. Arctic security is an important issue for Finland.
“Finland wants to strengthen Arctic security toreceiveher with all allies, while respecting the territorial integrity of Denmark and Greenland.
“I understand the concerns of Finns. Tariffs would be harmful to both Europe and the United States. They are in no-one’s interest.
“We are working closely with our European partners and allies. We are ensuring the security of Finland and Finns.”
Alex Croft18 January 2026 02:00
‘These tariffs will hurt us,’ states Farage – ICYMI
The leader of Reform UK, Nigel Farage, is the latest to respond to Donald Trump’s tariffs announcement.
Writing on social media, he stated: “We don’t always agree with the US government and in this case we certainly don’t. These tariffs will hurt us.
“If Greenland is vulnerable to malign influences, then have another view at Diego Garcia.”
Alex Croft18 January 2026 01:30
In pictures: Large demonstrations in Nuuk, Greenland
Alex Croft18 January 2026 01:01
Keir Starmer states Donald Trump’s threat to impose tariffs over Greenland is ‘completely wrong’
Sir Keir stated the government will take this up directly with the Trump administration, after the US president warned “world peace” is at stake if the US is not permitted to control the semi-autonomous Danish territory.
“Applying tariffs on allies for pursuing the collective security of NATO allies is completely wrong,” the prime minister stated in a statement. “We will of course be pursuing this directly with the US administration.”
Read the full report here:
Alex Croft18 January 2026 00:35
EU leaders’ statement in full
As we reported earlier, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and European Council president Antonio Costa stated in a joint statement that Trump’s relocate would case a “dangerous downwards spiral”.
Here is their statement in full:
“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 through Nato.
“The pre-coordinated Danish exercise, conducted with allies, responds to the required to strengthen Arctic security and poses no threat to anyone.
“The EU stands in full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland. Dialogue remains essential, and we are committed to building on the process begun already last week between the Kingdom of Denmark and the US.
“Tariffs would undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral. Europe will remain united, coordinated, and committed to upholding its sovereignty.”
Alex Croft18 January 2026 00:10
‘This isn’t trade policy. It’s pressure politics’
Liam Byrne, Labour chair of the UK’s Commons Business and Trade Committee, stated on social media: “This isn’t trade policy. It’s pressure politics.
“Using tariffs to punish allies for lawful security decisions sets a dangerous precedent.
“Britain must now stand with its allies to force a rebelieve – calmly, collectively – but with consequences.”
And UK Treasury minister Torsten Bell wrote: “Madness – totally wrong when all Nato allies should be focapplyd on the Russian threat and Ukraine.”
Alex Croft17 January 2026 23:45
US official states EU should consider separating Greenland tariff issue from US trade deal
A US trade representative stated on Saturday it is up to Europe to decide whether it wants to raise Donald Trump’s new tariff threats during nereceivediations on a trade deal.
“If I were the Europeans I would probably test to silo this off if they can. If they want to create it an issue in the trade deal that’s really up to them and not us,” Jamieson Greer notified reporters at the Detroit auto reveal.
Trump on Saturday vowed to hit some European allies with tariffs for opposing his over desire to take over Greenland.
Alex Croft17 January 2026 23:19
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