On 18 January local time, an extraordinary meeting of representatives of the European Union Member States took place in Brussels, focusing on the threats of US tariffs by US President Donald Trump in relation to the Greenland issue. The meeting reflected the growing concern of European countries about the possible impact of these steps on political and economic relations between the EU and the US.
On the same day, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, stressed that the European Union will remain united and will consistently defend the sovereignty of Greenland and Denmark. At the same time, she said that Europe was ready to protect its strategic economic and security interests and would not be subject to unilateral pressure.
European Council President António Costa subsequently announced that he would convene an extraordinary summit of EU leaders in the coming days to discuss a common response to US tariff threats. According to Costa, consultations with member states so far show strong support for Denmark and its autonomous territory Greenland. Member states are ready to face any form of pressure, he said, but at the same time want to continue a constructive dialogue with the United States.
At the same time, according to reports on 18 January, a number of EU countries are considering imposing tariffs on a total of €93 billion worth of US goods or restricting access to the EU market for US companies. This list of possible countermeasures was drawn up last year, but its application has been temporarily suspended in order to prevent a full-scale trade war between Europe and the United States. The suspension is valid until 6 February. Permanent representatives of all 27 EU Member States therefore met on 18 January to consider the possibility of reactivating the list and also to discuss the use of the instrument against economic pressure.
In response to the threats of US tariffs, eight European countries issued a joint statement on 18 January warning that such moves undermine transatlantic relations and could lead to a dangerous spiral of escalation. The statement was signed by Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
On the same day, a number of other European states published separate statements criticising US tariff threats, declaring a coordinated approach and announcing the adoption of appropriate countermeasures.
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