Brussels: European Union leaders have warned that rising trade tensions with the United States could trigger a dangerous downward spiral after US President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on European allies over Greenland.
Senior EU officials stated that such measures would seriously damage transatlantic relations at a time when unity among Western allies is crucial. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU Council President Antonio Costa said Europe would remain united and coordinated, while firmly defending its sovereignty.
The bloc’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, cautioned that tariffs would harm economic prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic and divert attention from Europe’s primary strategic challenge of ending Russia’s war in Ukraine. She warned that internal divisions among allies would only benefit rival powers such as China and Russia.
Territorial integrity and sovereignty are fundamental principles of international law.
They are essential for Europe and for the international community as a whole.
We have consistently underlined our shared transatlantic interest in peace and security in the Arctic, including…
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) January 17, 2026
Kallas also stressed that trade restrictions would weaken shared prosperity between Europe and the United States. She added that any concerns related to Greenland’s security could be addressed within the framework of NATO, rather than through economic pressure.
The remarks came amid growing unease in Brussels over Washington’s latest stance, which has raised fears of a broader trade confrontation between long-standing partners.
In response to the threat, ambassadors from all 27 EU member states are scheduled to hold an emergency meeting on Sunday to discuss possible countermeasures and a unified diplomatic reaction. The talks are expected to focus on safeguarding EU interests while avoiding further escalation in relations with the United States.
