Germany After Trump's customs scandal: Europeans warn of escalation
Germany and the other affected European countries have joined forces to oppose US President Donald Trump's threat of punitive tariffs in the Greenland conflict. "Tariff threats undermine transatlantic relations and carry the risk of escalation," reads a joint statement by Germany, Denmark, Finland, France, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the UK. They will react in a coordinated manner. "We are determined to preserve our sovereignty."
18.01.2026, 14:46
SDA
The background to this is the conflict with the USA over President Trump's claims to Greenland, which belongs to Denmark. In an unprecedented move on Saturday, Trump announced additional tariffs from February against Germany and the other seven states - all of them Nato countries - with reference to the conflict. Trump took offense at their joint military exploration mission on Greenland. According to official information, the 15 Bundeswehr soldiers involved have since been ordered back.
"Not a threat to anyone"
The joint declaration by the eight states stated: "As NATO allies, we are committed to strengthening security in the Arctic. This is a shared transatlantic interest." The "Arctic Endurance" exercise coordinated by Denmark is a response to the need for greater security in the Arctic. "The exercise poses no threat to anyone," explained the eight countries.
They added: "We stand in full solidarity with the Kingdom of Denmark and the people of Greenland. Building on the process started last week, we are ready to enter into a dialog based on the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. We stand firmly by these principles."
The US President wants to incorporate the island, which belongs to the Kingdom of Denmark, into the USA - something that the European NATO partners vehemently oppose. The announced US tariffs are to remain in place until an agreement on the complete purchase of the Arctic island is reached, Trump wrote on Truth Social. Accordingly, from February 1, 10 percent will be due for goods sent to the USA, and 25 percent from June 1.
