A diplomatic storm is brewing across the Atlantic after US President Donald Trump linked new trade tariffs to his controversial demand for control of Greenland. In response, eight European countries issued a joint declaration on Sunday backing Denmark and the people of Greenland, signalling a rare show of unity against Washington’s pressure tactics.

The statement was signed by Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom. The countries affirmed that Greenland’s future must be respected and stressed that Arctic security is a shared responsibility within the NATO alliance.

European leaders warned that the use of tariffs as political leverage could damage decades-old partnerships. They described the threat of import duties as destabilising and cautioned that such moves could trigger a wider trade confrontation between Europe and the United States.

Trump had announced that a 10 per cent duty would be imposed on goods from the eight nations beginning February 2026. He further threatened to raise the levy to 25 per cent a few months later if Denmark refused to negotiate over Greenland. The US President argued that Washington has long carried the financial burden of protecting Europe and that acquiring Greenland was essential for global security.

The remarks drew swift criticism. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre called for calm and urged all sides to avoid an economic conflict that would hurt ordinary citizens. European Council President Antonio Costa said the European Union would firmly defend international law, while Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen warned that coercive trade measures could push allies into a dangerous spiral of retaliation.

Trump has repeatedly claimed that Greenland holds strategic military value and is vulnerable to influence from Russia and China. He insisted that American ownership was necessary to safeguard the Arctic and suggested tariffs would remain until a deal was reached.

European diplomats, however, rejected the idea that an autonomous territory could be treated as a bargaining chip. The episode has deepened concerns that economic tools are being “weaponised” for geopolitical goals, reviving memories of earlier Trump-era trade disputes.

For now, Europe appears determined to present a united front, emphasising dialogue over threats as tensions around the Arctic island continue to rise.