The EU is preparing for a trade conflict with the US and plans counter-tariffs worth 93 billion euros if President Donald Trump follows through on his tariff threats. The dispute centers on US claims to Greenland, which belongs to Denmark. An EU leaders' special summit is scheduled for Thursday.
US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that starting February 1, 2026, he would impose a 10 percent tariff on goods from eight European countries—including Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Finland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom—if the EU opposes a US purchase of Greenland. The rate would rise to 25 percent in June. Trump justifies this with security concerns regarding China and Russia, referencing his planned Golden Dome missile defense system. He left open the use of military means against NATO ally Denmark.
Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark; a poll shows 85 percent of Greenlanders oppose a US takeover. Thousands demonstrated over the weekend in Nuuk and Denmark against it. The threats target countries participating in the Arctic Endurance exploration mission to assess Arctic security. 15 German soldiers left Greenland as scheduled on Sunday.
EU ambassadors in Brussels did not agree on immediate counter-tariffs, but 93 billion euros in duties on US products like bourbon, aircraft parts, soybeans, and poultry would automatically take effect on February 6 if no agreement is reached—agreed in July. The European Parliament indefinitely postponed ratification of a trade deal that envisioned tariff-free US goods and 15 percent on EU goods.
EPP leader Manfred Weber said on ZDF: "Trump won't get tariff-free access to his products—a first clear signal." EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized: "We will protect our strategic interests with steadfastness and determination." She spoke with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron, Friedrich Merz, and Giorgia Meloni. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) expected "a European response" and ruled out NATO tensions: "Together we are strong." Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil (SPD) stated: "We won't be blackmailed."
EU Council President António Costa announced a special summit, likely on January 22 in Brussels. The EU is considering the Anti-Coercion Instrument; France prefers it. Italy offers mediation. In the US, Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Thom Tillis criticize the rhetoric as aiding Putin and Xi. Danish Arctic Commander Søren Andersen highlighted close US cooperation despite tensions.
