European Union leaders gathered on Monday to discuss how to respond to US President Donald Trump’s threats of tariffs and military intervention in Greenland, amid growing concerns about NATO unity.
The EU has long been committed to supporting Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression, but now finds itself facing a test of unity with its largest ally. Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on EU imports and refused to rule out using military force to take control of Greenland, sparking fears of a trade war or conflict among allies.
“We have to do everything to avoid this totally unnecessary and stupid tariff war or trade war,” said Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who currently holds the EU’s rotating presidency. “This would be a cruel paradox if we ended up in a conflict among allies at this critical moment.”
French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that the EU will stand its ground in the face of Trump’s threats, saying “we are a power that stands its ground” and that the bloc will respond firmly if hit with tariffs. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also warned that ties between the EU and US are part of their most consequential relationship, but stressed that growing uncertainty demands a robust response.
Greenland, an autonomous territory of NATO ally Denmark, has been at the center of Trump’s concerns, with the US president leaving open the possibility of using military force to secure it. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen insisted that Greenland is not for sale and called for a collective EU response if the US puts “tough terms” on Europe.
EU leaders agreed that the Arctic region poses significant security challenges, but also acknowledged Denmark’s right to defend its territory. The Danish government has announced plans to strengthen its security presence in the region with new naval vessels and surveillance drones.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/eu-us-ukraine-defense-trump-greenland-tariffs-c3e454c8f0959d273c2b6dd5941395e3