Confronted over Greenland, Europe is ditching its softly-softly approach to Trump
Europe is shifting from a conciliatory stance toward President Trump amid his renewed push to acquire Greenland, a Danish territory vital for Arctic security. Trump has threatened tariffs on European nations refusing to back U.S. control over Greenland, prompting a firmer EU response including potential retaliatory measures.
President Trump reiterated his national security rationale for U.S. control of Greenland, responding “no comment” to questions about force and vowing to impose tariffs “100%” on opposing European countries like Denmark’s allies. He views Greenland as a strategic asset, unwilling to delegate hemispheric security.
European leaders are ditching their “softly-softly” approach, uniting to defend Danish and Greenlandic sovereignty while offering Arctic security cooperation to avoid unilateral U.S. action. The EU plans an emergency summit and considers €93 billion in counter-tariffs or market access restrictions for U.S. firms.
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Denmark’s foreign minister called Trump’s demands “totally unacceptable,” with protests in Nuuk against U.S. takeover.
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EU officials invoke the “Anti-Coercion Instrument” and emphasize “sovereignty is not for sale.”
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Public U.S. polls show 55% oppose buying Greenland and 86% reject military action.
