Following Trump's threat of tariffs over Greenland, the EU calls an emergency meeting and warns of a "dangerous downward spiral."

Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, issued a warning hours after US President Donald Trump threatened to impose 10% tariffs on Denmark and other EU nations. She said that such actions would damage transatlantic relations and run the risk of starting a dangerous downward spiral.

Von der Leyen emphasized the need for communication and diplomacy to settle disputes between NATO allies rather than raising trade tensions while expressing complete solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland.

"The people of Greenland and Denmark have the full support of the EU. In a post on X, she stated, "We are dedicated to expanding on the process started last week between the Kingdom of Denmark and the US. Dialogue remains essential."

"Tariffs would jeopardize a risky downward spiral and damage transatlantic relations. "Europe will continue to be unified, coordinated, and dedicated to maintaining its sovereignty," she continued.

According to an official cited by France24, the European Union has also scheduled an urgent meeting for Sunday to discuss the proposed tariffs.

In the face of growing tensions over the tariff threat, Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed the EU's commitment to respecting international law and guaranteeing Denmark's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

"The cornerstones of international law are territorial integrity and sovereignty. They are vital to both Europe and the global community at large. Through NATO, among other channels, we have continuously emphasized our common transatlantic interest in peace and security in the Arctic," she stated.

She went on to say that the EU nations' recent troop deployment in Greenland is a planned Danish exercise that "poses no threat to anyone."

In response to opposition to his plan to seize control of Greenland, President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he has decided to apply 10% tariffs to a number of countries, including the United Kingdom (UK), France, Germany, and the Netherlands. The tariffs will take effect on February 1st.

The 79-year-old Republican president also threatened to impose 25% tariffs starting on June 1 if an agreement is not reached for "the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland" in a lengthy post on Truth Social. Additionally, he defended his plan by pointing out that Denmark is powerless to stop China and Russia from gaining control of Greenland.

For many years, we have provided subsidies to Denmark, the European Union, and other nations by not imposing tariffs or any other kind of compensation. "Now, after centuries, it is time for Denmark to give back—world peace is at stake," Trump declared.

"All of the aforementioned nations (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland) will be subject to a 10% tariff on all goods sent to the United States of America as of February 1st, 2026. The tariff will be raised to 25% on June 1st, 2026," he continued.

Citing national security concerns, Trump has been adamant about acquiring Denmark's semi-autonomous territory of Greenland. Protests in Denmark and Greenland have been sparked by his threats to impose tariffs on nations that oppose the move. The leaders of Denmark and Greenland have rejected the idea, highlighting their right to self-determination, despite the US's assertion that Greenland's strategic location and mineral resources are essential to its security.