Denmark, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and the United Kingdom have issued a united response after US President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on European countries over Greenland, warning that such moves could seriously damage transatlantic relations and NATO unity.
In a joint statement, the six countries said they “stand in full solidarity with the Kingdom of Denmark and the people of Greenland”, stressing that Greenland’s future must be determined in line with sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The statement followed President Trump’s announcement that the United States could introduce punitive tariffs on imports from several European nations after they rejected any suggestion that Greenland could come under US control.
The European governments warned that “tariff threats undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral”, adding that pressure and coercion had no place among allies.
They emphasised that the Arctic remains a shared security interest within NATO, and said allied activities in and around Greenland were defensive, transparent and aimed at preserving regional stability.
The statement read: “As members of NATO, we are committed to strengthening Arctic security as a shared transatlantic interest. The pre-coordinated Danish exercise ‘Arctic Endurance’ conducted with Allies, responds to this necessity. It poses no threat to anyone.
“We stand in full solidarity with the Kingdom of Denmark and the people of Greenland. Building on the process begun last week, we stand ready to engage in a dialogue based on the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity that we stand firmly behind.
“Tariff threats undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral. We will continue to stand united and coordinated in our response. We are committed to upholding our sovereignty.”