Brussels, Jan 18 (NationPress) US President Donald Trump's warning of new tariffs on eight European nations unless Denmark agrees to a deal concerning Greenland has elicited immediate backlash from Nordic governments and key European figures. This situation has intensified calls for a collective EU response and raised concerns regarding the execution of last year’s EU-US tariff 'truce.'

On Saturday, Trump announced via social media that starting February 1, a 10% tariff would be imposed on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, Britain, the Netherlands, and Finland. He cautioned that this rate could escalate to 25% by June 1 and would persist until a resolution for the 'complete and total purchase' of Greenland is achieved, according to Xinhua news agency.

Nordic officials quickly voiced their discontent, emphasizing that conflicts among allies should be resolved through communication rather than coercion.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen expressed surprise at the tariff threat and highlighted Denmark's ongoing dialogue with the European Commission, as reported by Ritzau.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store labeled the threats 'unacceptable' in remarks to the national news agency NTB, asserting that such intimidation is inappropriate among allies and reaffirming Norway's support for Denmark's sovereignty.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb stressed that issues among allies are best handled through negotiation, warning that tariffs could damage transatlantic relations and initiate a perilous downward spiral.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson dismissed the tariff as 'blackmail,' asserting that Sweden 'will not allow itself to be coerced' and advocating for EU-level management of the situation.

Other European leaders echoed sentiments of a firmer stance if Washington proceeds with the tariffs.

French President Emmanuel Macron described the tariff threat as 'unacceptable,' stating that Europeans would respond in a unified and coordinated fashion if these measures are enacted.

Macron noted that France’s involvement in a Denmark-led exercise in Greenland illustrates its commitment to national sovereignty and independence, emphasizing that 'no intimidation or threat will sway us.'

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer criticized the imposition of tariffs on allies pursuing collective security within NATO, declaring it 'completely wrong,' and reaffirming that Greenland's future should be determined by its residents and the Danish government.

The German government announced it is closely collaborating with European partners, indicating that a joint response will be formulated in due time.

At the EU level, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa cautioned in a joint statement that tariffs linked to Greenland would jeopardize transatlantic relations and risk a 'dangerous downward spiral.'

They emphasized that territorial integrity and sovereignty are core principles of international law, asserting that Europe would stay 'united, coordinated, and committed to safeguarding its sovereignty.'

This incident has reignited discussions on whether the EU should deploy stronger defensive trade mechanisms, including the bloc's so-called 'bazooka,' the Anti-Coercion Instrument (ACI), complicating the political landscape surrounding EU-US trade arrangements in the European Parliament.

Bernd Lange, chair of the European Parliament's Committee on International Trade, urged the European Commission to activate the ACI immediately, deeming Trump's tariff threat 'unbelievable' and representing a 'new dimension' in the political use of tariffs.

Lange warned that this US action could be another violation of the political EU-US tariff and trade agreement established in Scotland in July 2025, noting that the European Parliament would revisit the issue with political groups next week.

He expressed skepticism about the continuation of 'business as usual' and anticipated a halt in parliamentary activities regarding this matter.

Manfred Weber, head of the European People's Party, the largest faction in the European Parliament, asserted that due to Trump's threats concerning Greenland, the approval of the EU-US trade deal is currently 'not feasible,' recommending that any progress towards eliminating tariffs on US products be postponed.

Cyprus, currently holding the EU's rotating presidency, announced it would convene an emergency meeting on Sunday, gathering ambassadors from the EU's 27 member states to coordinate future actions.