© Collage ZN.UA / DALL-E The EU is presently readying a rebuttal to possible American levies.
The proposals of US President Donald Trump to enforce a 10% duty on all products shipped to the US from eight nations which do not back the notion of US command over Greenland, commencing February 1, have sparked an instant response from European heads of state.
Despite the late hour on a weekend, the replies were swift.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, in a statement on X, pointed out that territorial inviolability and self-determination are essential tenets of global law. Concurrently, the enactment of duties would impair transatlantic bonds.
“We have consistently emphasized our mutual transatlantic stake in peace and protection in the Arctic, notably through NATO. The previously arranged Danish maneuvers, conducted in conjunction with allies, fulfill the necessity to bolster defense in the Arctic and present no hazard to anyone. The EU stands in complete solidarity with Denmark and the population of Greenland. Dialogue remains profoundly significant, and we are dedicated to furthering the process initiated last week between the Kingdom of Denmark and the United States,” von der Leyen posted on X.
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
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer denounced the employment of levies against partners to safeguard collective protection as “utterly wrong.” “
“Our stance on Greenland is utterly explicit – it constitutes a portion of the Kingdom of Denmark, and its destiny is a decision for Greenlanders and Danes. We have similarly clarified that defense in the Arctic is pivotal for the entirety of NATO, and associates must collaborate to resist the menace from Russia in various sectors of the Arctic,” Sattermer communicated on X.
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 it 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
Finnish President Alexander Stubb considers Trump's intentions to levy duties on commodities from nations that object to the US acquisition of Greenland as perilous for transatlantic dealings.
“Disputes amongst allies are optimally addressed via discourse, not coercion. Reinforcing defense in the Arctic alongside associates is exceedingly vital for Finland. This is similarly the purpose of the undertakings organized by Denmark and confederates in Greenland. European nations stand with a unified facade. We underscore the doctrines of territorial inviolability and self-determination. We assist Denmark and Greenland. Deliberation with the United States is current. Duties would undermine transatlantic connections and engender the prospect of a hazardous vortex of decline,” Stubb documented on X.
Among allies, issues are best resolved through discussion, not through pressure.
Strengthening Arctic security together with allies is very important for Finland. This is also the purpose of the Danish-led and allied-coordinated action in Greenland.
European countries stand…
— Alexander Stubb (@alexstubb) January 17, 2026
The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy , Kaia Kallas, accentuated that the beneficiaries of the disagreements amongst partners are China and Russia.
“China and Russia must be enjoying a golden opportunity. They are the ones who capitalize on the rifts between allies. Should Greenland's defense be at risk, we can resolve this matter within NATO. Duties could impoverish Europe and the United States and impair our communal prosperity. We must also not permit our contention to divert us from our chief mission of aiding in ending Russia's war against Ukraine,” Kallas penned on X.
China and Russia must be having a field day. They are the ones who benefit from divisions among Allies.
If Greenland's security is at risk, we can address this within NATO.
Tariffs risk making Europe and the United States poorer and undermine our shared prosperity.
We also…
— Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) January 17, 2026
European Council President António Costa emphasized that territorial inviolability and self-determination are fundamental axioms of global law. They hold importance for Europe and for the global fellowship as a whole.
“We have routinely highlighted our reciprocal transatlantic interest in peace and protection in the Arctic, incorporating NATO. The previously agreed-upon Danish actions, performed jointly with associates, fulfill the requirement to reinforce safety in the Arctic and pose no menace to anyone. The EU maintains complete allegiance with Denmark and the people of Greenland. Discussion persists as exceedingly crucial, and we are pledged to progressing the undertaking embarked upon last week between the Kingdom of Denmark and the United States. The institution of duties would weaken transatlantic ties and jeopardize a perilous spiral of decline. Europe will endure as unified, coordinated, and resolved to safeguard its self-reliance,” Costa posted on X.
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…
— António Costa (@eucopresident) January 17, 2026
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson declared that the country would not permit itself to be coerced, emphasizing that the subject involves the entire European Union, not individual nations.
“We shall not accede to blackmail. Only Denmark and Greenland determine concerns pertaining to Denmark and Greenland. I shall consistently champion my nation and our neighboring confederates. Sweden is presently in acute dialogues with other EU countries, Norway, and the United Kingdom concerning a united response,” he emphasized.
Vi lauter oss inte utpressas. Only Denmark and Greenland decide the questions som rör Danmark and Greenland. Jag kommer always stå upp för mitt land, och för vår allyerade grannar. This is an EU issue that affects many countries in the world. Sverige har nu intensiva…
— Ulf Kristersson (@SwedishPM) January 17, 2026
French President Emmanuel Macron similarly responded to President Trump's remarks, stating that “tariff jeopardies are unacceptable and possess no standing within this context.”
“No intimidation or imperilment will impact us, be it in Ukraine, Greenland, or elsewhere on the globe. Europeans will counter in a united and synchronized fashion should such menaces be verified. We shall guarantee that European independence is honored,” Macron conveyed.
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
Recall that, according to Bloomberg, European legislators are arranging to impede the ratification of a trade arrangement between the European Union and the United States after President Donald Trump endangered to impose duties against countries that favored Greenland amidst American threats.