"Very dangerous situation" Trump imposes tariffs on eight European countries - until he is allowed to buy Greenland
US President Donald Trump is determined to acquire Greenland and is now increasing the pressure massively. Eight European countries will have to pay punitive tariffs from February 1 - because they oppose the plans.
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- Donald Trump has made good on his threat and announced ten percent tariffs on February 1 against eight European countries that oppose his Greenland plans.
- If no agreement is reached, the tariffs will rise to 25 percent from June 1, the US President announced.
- Donald Trump described the fact that several NATO states had sent soldiers to Greenland as a "very dangerous situation".
This article was last updated at 20:57.
While thousands are demonstrating against Trump's Greenland plans in Copenhagen, the US President wants to enforce his demand with tariffs against a total of eight European countries.
From February, he will impose tariffs of ten percent on goods from Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, the UK, the Netherlands and Finland that oppose his demand for the USA to incorporate Greenland, Trump wrote on his online platform Truth Social on Saturday.
If no agreement on a "complete and comprehensive purchase of Greenland" has been reached by June 1, he will increase the tariffs to 25 percent.
It remains unclear how Trump intends to legally justify the tariffs that have now been announced. He could also invoke economic emergency powers this time. However, these are currently being challenged before the US Supreme Court. In addition, Trump has mainly cited security policy rather than economic reasons for his annexation demands.
Trump criticizes NATO states
In the article, the US President reiterated his assessment that the USA must possess Greenland for the security of the Arctic. He claimed that otherwise Russia or China would take over the island. The United States is now open to negotiations with Denmark and other nations.
Trump strongly criticized the deployment of soldiers from several NATO states. "Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, Great Britain, the Netherlands and Finland have traveled to Greenland for unknown purposes," Trump wrote. This is a "very dangerous situation" for the safety, security and survival of the planet. The tariffs would apply to all the countries mentioned.
EU leaders warn of "downward spiral"
Following Trump's tariff announcement, the EU has warned of a "dangerous downward spiral". "Tariffs would undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral", wrote EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Saturday in the online service X. "Europe will remain united, coordinated and determined to preserve its sovereignty."
Meanwhile, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen was surprised by Trump's tariff threat. The Dane announced this in a statement to the news agency Ritzau. Denmark is currently in close contact with the EU Commission.
The German government has also announced that it is coordinating a response with European partners. "The German government has taken note of the statements made by the US President," explained government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius in Berlin. "It is in close coordination with its European partners. Together we will decide on appropriate reactions in due course." He did not give any details.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced "intensive talks" with the affected countries. However, he made it clear: "We will not be intimidated." French President Emmanuel Macron declared that Trump's tariff threats were "unacceptable". He also announced a joint response from European countries.
Trump wants Greenland at all costs
In recent weeks, Trump has repeatedly claimed ownership of Greenland and justified this with US national security interests in the Arctic. There has been talk of buying the Arctic island, which belongs to Denmark, but Trump has not ruled out military force either.
Crisis talks between the USA, Denmark and Greenland took place in Washington this week - but there were no tangible results.
With material from the news agencies AP, DPA and AFP.
