US President Donald Trump has threatened 10% tariffs on eight European countries, including France and Germany, to force the sale of Greenland from Danish territory. The European Union is showing unity and preparing countermeasures, including the anti-coercion instrument, at an extraordinary summit in Brussels on Thursday evening. European markets opened lower amid these transatlantic tensions.
On January 19, 2026, US President Donald Trump reiterated his tariff threats in an NBC News interview, stating he would implement them «100 %» with 10% duties starting February 1, potentially rising to 25% by June 1, on imports from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland. These measures aim to coerce these countries into accepting the full cession of Greenland to the United States, a Danish autonomous territory that Trump views as a «strategic asset» for American security.
The European Union responded with a show of unity. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned a US Congress delegation in Davos of the «unambiguous need to respect the sovereignty of Greenland and Denmark». EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that «sovereignty is not negotiable» and that Europe has «tools to protect its interests», advocating «dialogue» but ready to act. An extraordinary summit of the 27 member states’ leaders will be held Thursday evening in Brussels to discuss transatlantic relations.
France and Germany issued a joint statement, affirming readiness to «fully use EU instruments», including the 2023 anti-coercion tool. The entourage of French Economy Minister Roland Lescure called the threats «unacceptable» and stressed a «coordinated and united response». President Emmanuel Macron convened a defense council on the international situation, including Greenland, Syria, and Iran.
Meanwhile, the US-Canadian Norad command announced the imminent arrival of military planes in Greenland for «long-planned activities», coordinated with Denmark. European stock markets opened lower: Paris -1.75%, Frankfurt -1.46%. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned in Davos that European retaliations would be «very ill-advised». Denmark and Greenland propose an NATO surveillance mission on the island, while Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen states these threats «change nothing» about their stance on self-determination.
