Trump’s tariff announcement targets European nations opposing U.S. Greenland claim The president declared sanctions on several EU members that reject America’s bid to control Greenland, prompting an emergency EU ambassadors’ meeting in Brussels and sparking protests that involved roughly 25 % of Nuuk’s residents [1][2]. European officials framed the move as intimidation and warned of possible trade retaliation [1]. The tariffs were justified by Trump as necessary to counter Chinese and Russian threats and to develop the “Golden Dome” missile‑defense site [2]. Experts noted a 1951 defense agreement already grants the U.S. rights to operate facilities on the island [2].

European leaders uniformly label the tariffs unacceptable and threaten collective response French President Macron, British Prime Minister Starmer, and Italian Prime Minister Meloni each called the measure “wrong” or an “error,” while eight EU countries issued a joint statement defending sovereignty [2]. The EU emphasized unity to deter unilateral actions and protect trans‑Atlantic ties [1][2]. Spanish Prime Minister Sánchez warned the sanctions would benefit Moscow and Beijing by fracturing alliances [2]. European Parliament President Metsola added that the tariffs would not enhance security and could embolden adversaries [2].

NATO and EU officials stress alliance cohesion and plan high‑level talks NATO Secretary‑General Jens Stoltenberg’s memoir recalled the alliance nearly collapsing during the previous Trump era, underscoring lingering fragility [1]. Current NATO chief Mark Rutte said he has spoken with Trump and expects a meeting at Davos, while European Council President Antonio Costa called an extraordinary summit to address U.S.–Europe tensions [2]. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that any annexation attempt would halt NATO operations [1]. These diplomatic moves aim to prevent the tariff dispute from eroding NATO’s collective defense posture [1][2].

Europe accelerates its drive toward strategic autonomy and defense funding German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged rapid strengthening of European defense capabilities, arguing the continent must become less dependent on U.S. suppliers [1]. The EU is drafting its own security strategy, increasing defense budgets, and seeking to reduce reliance on American equipment [1]. This push follows broader concerns that U.S. unilateral actions could fracture the alliance and weaken European security [1][2]. Officials view greater autonomy as essential to safeguard NATO cohesion and counter emerging geopolitical threats [1].