Sun, 18 Jan 2026

Sun, 18 Jan 2026 'Europe won't be blackmailed,' Danish PM says in wake of Trump Greenland threats

The US president threatens to impose tariffs on countries that oppose his plans to take over the territory.

* European leaders have issued a joint statement condemning Trump's tariff threats as a "dangerous downward spiral" that undermines transatlantic relations.
* The countries threatened with tariffs, including Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and UK, stand in solidarity with Denmark and Greenland and are committed to strengthening Arctic security through Nato.
* Danish PM Mette Frederiksen says Europe won't be "blackmailed" by Trump's threats and is committed to standing firm on fundamental values that created the European community.
* UK PM Sir Keir Starmer has spoken to Trump, reiterating his position that Greenland's security is a priority for all Nato members and that applying tariffs on allies for pursuing collective security is wrong.
* US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says Greenland can only be defended if it is part of the US, and that Europeans will understand this is best for Greenland, Europe and the US.
* Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide says mutual respect for sovereignty is a non-negotiable principle of international law and co-operation.
* French President Emmanuel Macron will request EU to activate its anti-coercion instrument if Trump imposes tariffs.
* Canadian PM Mark Carney has announced plans to significantly increase Arctic security, strengthening military presence and investing in critical infrastructure.
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