The President of the European People’s Party (EPP) in the European Parliament, Manfred Weber, requested that the European Union put on hold the approval of the trade agreement with the United States. According to the terms of the agreement, a 15 percent tariff should be applied to most European products on the American market, but this percentage could increase due to new threats.
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, warned of the danger of introducing tariffs, which, according to her, would “undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral.” In a post on social networks, she emphasized that territorial integrity and sovereignty are “fundamental principles” of international law, crucial “for Europe and for the international community as a whole.”
Territorial integrity and sovereignty are fundamental principles of international law.
They are essential for Europe and for the international community as a whole.
We have consistently underlined our shared transatlantic interest in peace and security in the Arctic, including…
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) January 17, 2026
The Netherlands, one of the countries affected by the new customs measures announced by Donald Trump, said it had “taken note” of the introduction of 10 percent tariffs. Foreign Minister David van Weel announced on social media that the Netherlands is “in close contact” with other EU member states to coordinate responses.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned Donald Trump’s latest tariffs, calling them “completely wrong”. He emphasized that Greenland is part of Denmark and that “its future is a matter for Greenlanders and Danes”.
In a statement, he clarified the United Kingdom’s position:
“Our position on Greenland is very clear – it is part of the Kingdom of Denmark and its future is a matter for Greenlanders and Danes. We have also made it clear that Arctic security is important to the whole of NATO and that allies should do more together to face the Russian threat in different parts of the Arctic. Applying tariffs to allies for the sake of the collective security of NATO allies is completely wrong. Of course, we will take up this issue directly with the US administration.”
French President Emmanuel Macron reacted to Donald Trump’s tariff threats, saying they were “unacceptable”. Macron stressed that European leaders would respond “united and coordinated” to them if confirmed, he announced on social media.
“France is committed to the sovereignty and independence of nations, in Europe as elsewhere. This guides our elections. This underpins our commitment to the United Nations and our Charter,” Macron said. He added that “on that basis, we support and will continue to support Ukraine”.
The EU is preparing a joint response
European Council President Antonio Costa said he was “coordinating a joint response” in response to Donald Trump’s new threat to impose tariffs on some European countries.
Speaking at a press conference immediately following Trump’s announcement, Costa said:
“The European Union will always be very firm in the defense of international law… which of course begins within the territories of the member states of the European Union”.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson reacted to the new threats to tariffs made by Donald Trump, to which Sweden is also exposed, reports DagensNyheter.
“We will not allow blackmail. Only Denmark and Greenland decide on issues concerning Denmark and Greenland,” said Kristersson.
“I will always stand up for my country and for our allied neighbors,” he added.
The Prime Minister also stated that he has started a dialogue with other countries of the European Union on this issue.
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said he does not understand why US President Donald Trump is linking increased tariffs to the security situation in the Arctic.
“There is a broad consensus in NATO on the need to strengthen security in the Arctic, including in Greenland. We do not consider the issue of tariffs to belong in this context,” Eide wrote in a comment for NTB.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen called Donald Trump’s announcement about the introduction of tariffs a surprise and stated that Denmark is in close dialogue with the European Union on this issue.
“The president’s announcement comes as a surprise,” Lars Løkke Rasmussen said in a written statement. On Wednesday, he met with the US Secretary of State, with whom he discussed, among other things, the disagreements between Denmark and the US over Greenland.
(Vijesti.ba)
