1 hour ago
Last Updated:January 20, 2026, 18:37 IST
Denmark PM warns Europe must respond to US President Donald Trump's tariff threats over Greenland, as European leaders unite against undermining transatlantic relations.
Denmark Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen (AP)
Europe will have no choice but to respond if a trade war commences, Denmark Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said on Tuesday, after US President Donald Trump’s tariff threat on countries opposing plans on him taking over Greenland.
“As Europe, if anyone starts a trade war against us – which I really cannot recommend – we must of course respond. We are compelled to do so. We have never sought any conflicts," Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen told Denmark’s parliament during a question-and-answer session.
Trump has threatened to impose a 10 percent tariff from February 1 on all goods sent to the United States from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland.
The levy would then rise to 25 percent on June 1 “until such time as a deal is reached for the complete and total purchase of Greenland," the US president has said.
On Sunday, Frederiksen said Europe will not be “blackmailed".
Britain, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden said the threats “undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral."
“We will continue to stand united and coordinated in our response. We are committed to upholding our sovereignty," the joint statement noted.
Trump on Tuesday posted a map of the United States of America, showing Canada, Venezuela and Greenland as part of the US territories.
The map, which seems to be AI-generated, was posted by Trump on his Truth Social platform. In the photo, Trump can be seen sitting in a meeting with European leaders, including UK’s Keir Starmer, Italy’s Giorgia Meloni, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, with the US map in the background.
Location :
Copenhagen, Denmark
First Published:
January 20, 2026, 18:37 IST
News world Europe Must Respond If Trade War Kicks Off: Danish PM Amid Trump's Tariff Threat
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