Amanze Chinonye
European officials are signalling caution and restraint after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on several European countries in connection with Washington’s renewed push for control of Greenland, opting for diplomacy and dialogue rather than an immediate trade response.
According to a report by The New York Times, European governments affected by the proposed tariffs are deliberately slowing any retaliatory moves, despite rejecting the substance of Trump’s position. Senior EU and national officials say their priority is to keep channels open with Washington and prevent the dispute from escalating into a full-blown transatlantic trade confrontation.
Trump has announced plans to impose a 10 per cent tariff from February 1, 2026, rising to 25 per cent by June, on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland, unless a deal is reached for the United States to acquire Greenland. He has framed the issue as one of global and NATO security, arguing that Denmark is unable to protect the Arctic territory from Russian or Chinese influence.
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In response, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that the tariff threat risks undermining transatlantic relations and triggering what she described as a “dangerous downward spiral.” While reaffirming full solidarity with Denmark and Greenland, she said the European Union remains committed to dialogue with the United States and would prefer a negotiated solution over confrontation.
Diplomats briefed on internal EU discussions say emergency consultations have focused on de-escalation, with member states agreeing that tariffs imposed for political leverage among allies would be incompatible with the spirit of EU-U.S. cooperation. Several officials stressed that, while the EU has the tools to respond, including retaliatory tariffs and anti-coercion measures, those options are being held in reserve rather than activated immediately.
Nordic leaders have echoed that approach. Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian officials have said disputes between close allies should be resolved through talks, not threats, warning that economic pressure could harm both sides and weaken broader security cooperation.
Sweden and the Netherlands, while publicly rejecting what they describe as economic coercion, have also emphasised the need to manage the dispute through established diplomatic and alliance frameworks.
Denmark has maintained that Greenland is not for sale and that decisions about the territory rest with the Greenlandic people. Copenhagen has welcomed strong backing from European partners, while underscoring its preference for dialogue within NATO and existing Arctic security arrangements rather than unilateral pressure.
European officials say the measured response reflects a conscious effort to avoid rapid escalation, even as political pressure mounts at home to stand firm against Washington. One EU diplomat, quoted by the New York Times, said the goal was to “lower the temperature” and test whether talks could avert a damaging trade clash.
For now, Europe’s message to Washington is one of firmness without haste: rejection of the tariff threat and the Greenland framing, coupled with a clear preference for negotiations before any retaliatory steps are taken.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
