Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to impose additional tariffs on eight European countries, setting duties at 10% from February 1 and 25% from June 1 this year. The move is framed as retaliation against those countries’ opposition to U.S. claims regarding Greenland.
According to Polish MEP Michał Szczerba of the Civic Coalition (KO), there is—and will be—no consent from the European Union or from European allies within NATO to such claims. By contrast, MEP Adam Bielan of Law and Justice (PiS) expressed hope that diplomatic talks at the World Economic Forum in Davos could help resolve the dispute.
EU and NATO Reject Territorial Claims
“There is no and will be no agreement from the European Union or European NATO allies regarding U.S. claims on Greenland,” Szczerba told the Newseria news agency. He pointed to the 1951 U.S.–Denmark defense agreement, later joined by Greenland in 2004, which allows the United States to expand its military presence and base infrastructure on the island.
“What surprises me,” he added, “is that for two years nothing was done under this framework, and now we hear claims that the entire island is suddenly necessary for U.S. security.”
Szczerba argued that the rhetoric reflects an invented idea embraced by Trump that will not be realized. “We stand firmly with Denmark and Greenland. No one has the right to seize territory by force or threats—that is Putin’s style, and it is unacceptable in Europe,” he said, referring to Vladimir Putin.
Geopolitical Arguments From Washington
Bielan acknowledged Washington’s strategic concerns, noting that Greenland lies along the shortest ballistic missile trajectory from Russia to the U.S. East Coast, including Washington, D.C. He also cited Chinese interest in rare earth metals located on the island and emerging Arctic trade routes as ice melts.
“I hope that since Denmark and the United States are both NATO members, this dispute will be resolved diplomatically,” Bielan said.
EU Institutions Condemn the Claims
EU institutions have already taken a firm stance. On January 14, the European Parliament condemned statements by the Trump administration on Greenland, stressing that any attempt to undermine Denmark’s and Greenland’s sovereignty and territorial integrity would violate international law and the United Nations Charter.
That position was reiterated on January 17 in a joint statement by Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and António Costa, President of the European Council.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, von der Leyen also announced plans to prepare a package to strengthen Arctic security.
UN Experts Voice Concern
Experts affiliated with the United Nations have likewise expressed concern over U.S. statements, emphasizing that any strengthening of the U.S. military presence in Greenland under the 1951 agreement requires full consent from Greenland.
“International law is clearly on the side of the Kingdom of Denmark and Greenland, as well as the principles governing relations within NATO,” Szczerba said. “These actions are unacceptable and will not be accepted. I believe Donald Trump will hear this directly from many leaders and interlocutors in Davos.”
Tariffs and Trade Tensions
Bielan stressed the need for dialogue, welcoming Trump’s announcement of talks during the Davos summit, where Poland is represented by President Karol Nawrocki. He expressed hope that European leaders—including Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni—could persuade both American and Danish counterparts to resolve the dispute diplomatically.
Within the EU, voices are emerging in favor of halting ratification of an EU–U.S. trade agreement in response to Trump’s tariff threats. EU officials note that the announced duties would affect eight European countries, including six EU members: Denmark, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland—along with Norway and the United Kingdom.
“On tariffs, unity and firmness are essential,” Szczerba said, recalling a trade agreement reached in July 2025 in Turnberry, Scotland, which was expected to last throughout Trump’s term. “Questioning that agreement and issuing new threats would seriously harm U.S. companies and exports, which are a vital part of the American economy.”
Bielan acknowledged that such scenarios are circulating in public debate but said he hopes they will not materialize. An EU summit on the issue is scheduled for Thursday, with expectations that Davos could help narrow differences beforehand.
Strategic Autonomy and Geopolitical Risks
Representatives of the European People’s Party argue that the EU should respond by strengthening strategic autonomy, completing the single market, and deepening cooperation with like-minded partners.
Szczerba warned that rising EU–U.S. tensions play into the Kremlin’s hands. “I get the impression that Vladimir Putin is rubbing his hands in satisfaction,” he said. “Such reckless words undermine transatlantic unity and distract from the war in Ukraine that has been ongoing since 2022. Our priority should be supporting Ukraine’s defense, not focusing on artificially manufactured disputes driven by irresponsible actions.”
