"Europe Won’t Be Blackmailed,” Danish Prime Minister Says After Trump’s Greenland Threats

Europe pushes back as Denmark’s prime minister warns that the continent will not be blackmailed over President Trump’s Greenland threats.

European Leaders Push Back Against U.S. Tariff Pressure

Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has issued a firm response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats to impose tariffs on European allies over Greenland, declaring that “Europe will not be blackmailed.”

Her comments come as European leaders coordinate a joint response to Trump’s warning that the United States could impose new tariffs on eight allied nations if they oppose his proposal to take control of Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.

Trump has said tariffs of up to 10%, potentially rising to 25%, could be imposed on Denmark, France, Germany, the UK, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and the Netherlands as early as February.

Trump Links Greenland to U.S. Security

The U.S. president has repeatedly argued that Greenland is strategically vital for American security, citing its location between North America and the Arctic. Trump has not ruled out acquiring the territory by force, saying the U.S. would get Greenland “the easy way or the hard way.”

Greenland’s position makes it significant for early missile warning systems, Arctic surveillance, and monitoring military activity in the region. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reinforced Trump’s stance, claiming Greenland “can only be defended if it is part of the United States.”

Europe Issues Joint Statement of Solidarity

In response, the countries threatened with tariffs released a joint statement warning that Trump’s approach risks triggering a “dangerous downward spiral” in transatlantic relations.

The statement emphasized full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland, while reaffirming a shared commitment to Arctic security through NATO. European leaders stressed that any dialogue must be based on respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Denmark Rejects Coercion, Calls for Unity

Writing on Facebook, Frederiksen said Denmark seeks cooperation, not conflict, but made clear that pressure tactics would not succeed.

“We want to cooperate and we are not the ones seeking conflict,” she wrote. “Europe will not be blackmailed. It is more important than ever that we stand firm on the fundamental values that created the European community.”

UK, NATO, and EU Leaders Respond

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer held discussions with Frederiksen, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte before speaking directly with Trump.

A spokesperson for Starmer said the UK views Greenland’s security as a collective NATO responsibility and warned that imposing tariffs on allies for pursuing shared security goals is wrong.

French President Emmanuel Macron said the European Union could activate its “anti-coercion instrument” if the tariffs move forward, signaling potential countermeasures.

Growing Public Opposition and Protests

Public anger has been visible in both Denmark and Greenland. Demonstrations were held in Copenhagen and Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, with protesters chanting slogans such as “Hands off Greenland” and “Greenland for Greenlanders.”

Greenland’s representative to the United States noted that a January 2025 poll showed only 6% of Greenlanders supported becoming part of the U.S., while 85% opposed it.

Polling in the United States also suggests limited domestic support. A recent Reuters/Ipsos survey found only 17% of Americans favor U.S. control of Greenland, while nearly half oppose the idea.

Arctic Security at a Crossroads

Canada has also weighed in, with Prime Minister Mark Carney expressing concern over rising tensions and announcing plans to strengthen Arctic security through military investment and infrastructure development.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte confirmed ongoing discussions with Trump and said the alliance would continue working toward stability in the Arctic region.

As world leaders prepare to meet at the World Economic Forum in Davos, the Greenland dispute is emerging as a defining test of transatlantic unity, sovereignty, and how far economic pressure can be used among allies.