Brussels: The European Union on Monday urged the United States to engage in dialogue rather than escalation over Greenland. This appeal comes in the wake of US President Donald Trump's pledge to impose tariffs on eight European countries that oppose his control over Greenland.
According to Qatar News Agency, spokesperson for the European Commission Olof Gill stated that the European bloc possesses the essential tools to confront the situation and is prepared to respond should US President enforce his commercial threats. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized that a trade war is in no one's interest and stressed that alliances endure because they are built on respect and partnership, not pressure. He described the use of tariffs against allies as "completely wrong."
European leaders will convene an extraordinary summit on Thursday to discuss Trump's repeated threats regarding Greenland and tariffs, a spokesperson for the European Council confirmed. The Council, which brings together the heads of state and heads of government of the 27 EU member countries, clarified that the summit will focus on transatlantic relations.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump threatened that tariffs of 10 percent would take effect on February 1, 2026, targeting Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland. He emphasized that the rate would increase to 25 percent on June 1, 2026, and remain in place until a deal is reached permitting the US to acquire Greenland.