3 hours ago
Last Updated:January 18, 2026, 08:02 IST
Several European leaders condemned the tariffs as "unacceptable" as Greenland's minister praised them for a strong response to the move linked to the future of the Arctic island
People gather for a pro- Greenlanders demonstration, in Copenhagen, Denmark, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. (Emil Helms/Ritzau Scanpix via AP)
The European Union and United Kingdom have said they “will not be blackmailed" by US President Donald Trump and his “completely wrong" imposition of 10 percent tariff on several member countries for “opposing" his threats to control Greenland.
Greenland’s minister, meanwhile, praised European countries for their strong response to the tariffs linked to the future of the Arctic island. Several European leaders condemned the move as “unacceptable" even as Denmark’s foreign minister said they “come as a surprise".
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the imposition of the tariff “completely wrong" while French President Emmanuel Macron and Swedish PM Ulf Kristersson wholly rejected it and spoke of defending European sovereignty.
On Saturday (January 18), Trump said he will impose 10 percent tariff February onwards on eight European countries for opposing US control of Greenland. In a social media post, he said Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland will face the tariff and that it would climb to 25 percent on June 1 if a deal is not in place for “the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland".
Calling an emergency meeting of ambassadors from the EU’s 27 countries on Sunday, bloc leaders warned of a “dangerous downward spiral" in wake of Trump’s threats.
“Tariffs would undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral. Europe will remain united, coordinated, and committed to upholding its sovereignty," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU Council President Antonio Costa said in posts on X.
Location :
Brussels, Belgium
First Published:
January 18, 2026, 08:02 IST
News world 'Won't Be Blackmailed': EU, UK Respond To Trump's 10% Tariff Over Greenland 'Purchase'
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