Trump's Greenland Statement Threatens EU-US Trade Agreement

Sharp Reaction from the EU to Trump

Major political groups in the European Parliament (EP) responded to US President Donald Trump's statements regarding Greenland, following his announcement of new tariffs to be imposed on European countries. This situation jeopardizes the approval of the trade agreement reached between the European Union (EU) and the US in July.

Trump's Threats and Europe's Response

The President of the European People's Party (EPP), Manfred Weber, highlighted Trump's threats regarding Greenland and stated that it is not possible to approve the EU-US trade agreement at this stage. Weber expressed that it has become necessary to suspend the proposed zero tariffs on US products.

Socialists and Democrats (S&D) Group President Iratxe Garcia-Perez stated, "The 25% customs duties Trump intends to impose on allied countries supporting Greenland against his imperialist threats are unacceptable." Perez emphasized that the EU must act immediately.

EU-US Trade Agreement Process

Trump announced the completion of the trade agreement with the EU after a meeting with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in July 2025. With this agreement, it was decided that EU countries would not impose customs duties on US products, while the US would impose a 15% tariff on EU products. However, EP approval is required for the agreement to come into effect.

Trump's Customs Duty Announcement

On January 17, the US President announced that a 10% customs duty would be applied to Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland, with the rate set to increase to 25% starting from June 1, 2026. Trump stated that the tax rates would remain valid until an agreement on the purchase of Greenland is reached.