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EU Chief Warns Trump's Greenland Tariffs Could Damage Transatlantic Ties

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has publicly warned the United States against imposing punitive tariffs over Greenland, calling such a move a damaging mistake between allies. She emphasized that a trade deal was already agreed upon in July, asserting that "a deal is a deal" and handshakes between friends must mean something. Von der Leyen offered cooperation with Washington on Arctic security and announced plans for a massive European investment surge in Greenland. Her comments come in response to President Trump's threat to proceed with tariffs unless a deal on Greenland is reached, intensifying a dispute over control of the territory.

Key Points: EU Warns Trump Over Greenland Tariffs, Calls Move a "Mistake"

  • EU warns US tariffs on Greenland are a mistake
  • Stresses trust and that "a deal is a deal"
  • Offers cooperation on Arctic security
  • Announces major EU investment surge in Greenland
  • Links issue to Europe's need for strategic independence
2 min read

"A deal is a deal": EU Commission President warns Trump's Greenland tariff threat could harm allies; calls move "mistake"

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen criticizes Trump's tariff threat on Greenland, stressing "a deal is a deal" and warning of harm to alliances.

"The proposed additional tariffs are a mistake, especially between long-standing allies. - Ursula von der Leyen"

Davos, January 20

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday warned the United States against imposing punitive tariffs on European allies over Greenland, calling it a "mistake" and saying such a move could hurt long-standing partnerships.

Making her position clear while addressing the World Economic Forum here, Leyen said, "The proposed additional tariffs are a mistake, especially between long-standing allies."

She went on to underline the importance of trust and commitment between partners, referring to an understanding already reached between the two sides.

"The European Union and the United States agreed to a trade deal last July. And in politics as in business, a deal is a deal. And when friends shake hands, it must mean something," she added.

Von der Leyen's remarks came after US President Donald Trump's comments on Monday, when he said he would "100 per cent" proceed with plans to impose tariffs on European countries unless a deal over Greenland is reached.

With tensions rising over Greenland, von der Leyen also offered cooperation with Washington on Arctic security and indicated greater European engagement in the region.

"We are working on a massive European investment surge in Greenland," she said. "We will work with the United States and all partners on wider Arctic security. This is clearly in our shared interest."

Linking the developments to wider global shifts, she highlighted the need for Europe to adapt to changing dynamics and strengthen its strategic posture.

"Europe must speed up its push for independence - the world has changed permanently, we need to change with it. Europe is preparing its own security strategy, upgrading our Arctic strategy," she said.

Trump has intensified his bid to seize control of Greenland from Denmark, a Nato ally, prompting the European Union to consider possible countermeasures.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Interesting to see Europe talking about strategic independence. For too long, the world has revolved around US-China dynamics. A stronger, more assertive EU could be a good counterbalance and open up more options for countries like India. 🤔 The Arctic investment angle is also smart geopolitics.
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Aman W
"A deal is a deal" – simple principle, but so often forgotten in international politics. Respectfully, I think the EU should have seen this coming based on past patterns. It's a wake-up call for everyone to diversify partnerships and not be overly reliant on any single power, no matter how strong.
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Sarah B
Watching from India, this Greenland saga feels oddly familiar. Big powers making claims on territory that isn't theirs. The EU's firm stand is commendable. You can't just "seize control" of an island in the 21st century because you want its resources. International norms matter.
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Karthik V
The economic fallout of these tariffs would be global. As an Indian exporter, I'm concerned. When major economies fight, it creates uncertainty and hurts trade everywhere. Hope they resolve this quickly. The EU's offer to cooperate on Arctic security is a sensible de-escalation move.
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Nisha Z
Good for von der Leyen for standing her ground! 👏 It's about time Europe showed some spine. This "America First" approach is alienating even its oldest friends. Maybe this will finally push the EU to become a truly independent global player, which could be beneficial for multipolar world order India often advocates for.

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