European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has blasted US President Donald Trump's plan to impose tariffs on imports from eight European countries that oppose his bid to take control of Greenland, labeling the move "an error" and questioning Trump's trustworthiness.
In a statement at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, von der Leyen expressed her skepticism about the feasibility of the US plan, citing a trade deal agreed upon last July between the EU and US. She urged caution against plunging relations into a downward spiral, warning that any retaliatory measures would be "unflinching, united and proportional."
The European Union is considering a package of tariffs on $93 billion worth of US imports, suspended for six months, as well as the use of its "anti-coercion instrument" to limit US access to public tenders, investments, or banking activities. However, the EU's response will depend on the US's willingness to back down from its bid to take control of Greenland.
Trump has repeatedly claimed that the island is crucial for national security and warned that there would be "no going back" on his plans. In a bizarre display of assertiveness, he posted an image showing him, Vice-President JD Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio planting a US flag next to a sign reading "Greenland, US territory est 2026."
Meanwhile, the Danish public broadcaster reported that 58 Danish troops had landed in Greenland on Tuesday to join about 60 others for a multinational military exercise. European leaders are considering establishing a more permanent military presence in the high north to help guarantee security in the Arctic region, a key US demand.
The escalating row has plunged trade relations between the EU and the US into fresh chaos, forcing the bloc to consider measures that could have significant implications for the transatlantic alliance. As tensions continue to rise, it remains to be seen whether Trump's assertion of control over Greenland will be successful or if the EU will stand firm against what many see as an attempt to intimidate its allies.
In a statement at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, von der Leyen expressed her skepticism about the feasibility of the US plan, citing a trade deal agreed upon last July between the EU and US. She urged caution against plunging relations into a downward spiral, warning that any retaliatory measures would be "unflinching, united and proportional."
The European Union is considering a package of tariffs on $93 billion worth of US imports, suspended for six months, as well as the use of its "anti-coercion instrument" to limit US access to public tenders, investments, or banking activities. However, the EU's response will depend on the US's willingness to back down from its bid to take control of Greenland.
Trump has repeatedly claimed that the island is crucial for national security and warned that there would be "no going back" on his plans. In a bizarre display of assertiveness, he posted an image showing him, Vice-President JD Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio planting a US flag next to a sign reading "Greenland, US territory est 2026."
Meanwhile, the Danish public broadcaster reported that 58 Danish troops had landed in Greenland on Tuesday to join about 60 others for a multinational military exercise. European leaders are considering establishing a more permanent military presence in the high north to help guarantee security in the Arctic region, a key US demand.
The escalating row has plunged trade relations between the EU and the US into fresh chaos, forcing the bloc to consider measures that could have significant implications for the transatlantic alliance. As tensions continue to rise, it remains to be seen whether Trump's assertion of control over Greenland will be successful or if the EU will stand firm against what many see as an attempt to intimidate its allies.
I mean, who tries to claim a territory like that? The EU's response seems reasonable, but at the same time, they're not taking any concrete action yet, which is kinda confusing 
Trump thinks he's being super bold with this flag-stuff, but honestly, it comes off as really insecure 
I'm actually kind of worried about the whole US-EU relationship situation... if they can't even agree on something like this, how are we gonna get anything done in other areas? 
. The EU's response, while justified in terms of national security concerns, could inadvertently escalate the situation into an all-out trade war 
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. Trump's history of erratic decision-making and willingness to disregard international norms makes it difficult to trust his intentions 
. The EU needs to exercise caution and consider the long-term implications of its actions, rather than resorting to knee-jerk reactions 
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. As tensions between the EU and US continue to rise, it's crucial for both sides to engage in a more constructive dialogue, one that prioritizes cooperation over competition 
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. I mean, come on, Trump thinks he can just impose tariffs and take control of a country that's not even part of NATO? 
It's like, hello, international law, dude! And what's with the flag post pic? Is that some kind of sick joke? 
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Trump said Greenland is crucial for national security... but doesn't he know that there are already some serious international players vying for control of the Arctic region? 
Like Russia and China! This whole thing is getting more complicated by the minute... 
they should just be straight up saying that taking control of greenland is not an option 
also, what's with all these tariffs and trade deals? can't we all just get along 
maybe instead of focusing on who gets to control some island in the arctic, we should be working together to solve real problems like climate change and sustainability 
. One thing's for sure though - this whole ordeal has put the transatlantic alliance in a tricky spot 
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. The US is being super aggressive and trying to bully their allies, and now they're threatening to slap tariffs on $93 billion worth of EU imports? Like, what's next? They'll start demanding that everyone else in the world bow down to them too 
. I mean, who needs an island that's literally frozen solid in the middle of nowhere? It's not like they're going to find any oil or anything (although, if they did, that'd be pretty funny too 
. But at this point, I'm not even sure if it'll make a difference 
... he thinks imposing tariffs on us is gonna be "unflinching" and "proportional"? please, like that's even how diplomacy works 
think about it, the EU might just stand firm against him and show that we won't be bullied. it's not like they don't have a plan B already - tariffs and all that jazz 
and btw, 58 danish troops landing in Greenland? sounds like they're getting prepared for something big! 
. While Trump's assertion of control might seem like a bold power play, it's actually a thinly veiled attempt to distract from his own domestic policy failures 
. By invoking national security concerns and threatening to deploy troops, he's hoping to rally support for his agenda among the GOP base 
. It's also worth noting that Denmark's recent military deployment to Greenland has already begun to shift the balance of influence in the region 
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. One thing is certain: the status quo won't hold forever – it's time for a new era of strategic cooperation or competitive tension 
. And on top of that, Greenland doesn't even have its own government to speak of... it's like the US is trying to claim ownership out of thin air 
. I hope EU stands firm and doesn't let Trump bully them into submission 
