EU Condemns Trump's Greenland Tariffs; Europe Threatens 'Trade Bazooka'
European leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Tuesday sharply criticized U.S. President Trump's planned 10% import tax on eight European nations over his Greenland ambitions.
Overview
Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission President, called U.S. President Donald Trump's planned 10% import tariffs on eight European nations a "mistake" between allies during the World Economic Forum in Davos on Tuesday.
French President Emmanuel Macron warned the threatened tariffs could force the European Union to deploy its "anti-coercion instrument," or "trade bazooka," for the first time against the United States.
Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen emphasized the need for respect for international law and territorial integrity, stating from Nuuk that these principles are "not a game."
California Governor Gavin Newsom publicly slammed Europe's response as "pathetic" and "embarrassing" in Davos, urging leaders to "stand tall and firm" against the U.S. demands.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent encouraged trading partners to "take a deep breath" and allow tensions to "play out," asserting that U.S. relations with Europe have "never been closer" despite the tariff threats.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the story as a transatlantic crisis driven by Trump’s provocative, unilateral behavior, emphasizing “seize,” “threats,” AI images and tariff risks. Editorial choices foreground European alarm (Macron’s “new colonial approach,” Davos expletives) and Trump’s social posts, prioritizing allied pushback while giving limited space to legal or Greenlandic viewpoints.
Sources (27)
FAQ
Macron's message stated: 'My friend, We are totally in line on Syria. We can do great things on Iran. I do not understand what you are doing on Greenland.' He proposed a G7 meeting after Davos in Paris with Ukrainians, Danes, Syrians, and Russians, and a dinner together.
Rutte's message praised Trump's Syria actions: 'Mr. President, dear Donald - what you accomplished in Syria today is incredible.' He pledged to highlight Trump's work in Syria, Gaza, and Ukraine, and committed to 'finding a way forward on Greenland.'
Trump threatened 10 percent tariffs effective February 1 on eight European countries opposing U.S. acquisition of Greenland, with rhetoric ramping up to 25 percent until securing the purchase.[1]
European leaders like Macron rebuked Trump's tactics in Davos and Zurich; EU officials are considering emergency summits, anti-coercion measures, retaliatory tariffs, and trade suspension options.[3]
Polls show Greenland's approximately 57,000 residents largely oppose joining the United States.[1]
History
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