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EU Chief Warns Trump Over Greenland Sovereignty Threats at Davos

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met a US Congressional delegation in Davos, emphasizing the imperative to respect Greenland and Denmark's sovereignty. The discussion addressed security cooperation in the Arctic through the EU, US, and NATO, alongside shared trade interests. The meeting follows former President Donald Trump's threats to impose tariffs on European nations unless they agree to sell Greenland. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has also criticized using tariffs against allies, calling Greenland's status a fundamental principle.

Key Points: EU's von der Leyen, US Congress Discuss Trump's Greenland Threats

  • Sovereignty warning to US
  • Arctic security cooperation
  • Trump's tariff threats
  • Transatlantic trade concerns
  • NATO's role in the High North
2 min read

EU chief discusses Greenland with US Congress delegation

Ursula von der Leyen stresses respect for Greenland & Denmark's sovereignty with US Congress after Trump's tariff threats over Arctic territory.

"I also addressed the need to unequivocally respect the sovereignty of Greenland and of the Kingdom of Denmark. - Ursula von der Leyen"

Davos, January 20

European Union Chief Ursula von der Leyen on Monday held a meeting with a bipartisan delegation from the United States Congress in Davos, where they discussed Donald Trump's recent threats to acquire Greenland.

In a post on X, Ursula von der Leyen emphasised the need to "respect" the sovereignty of Greenland and Denmark.

"I also addressed the need to unequivocally respect the sovereignty of Greenland and of the Kingdom of Denmark. This is of utmost importance to our transatlantic relationship," she said.

She further urged for a "close cooperation" between the EU, the US and NATO to address the security concerns related to Greenland and the Arctic.

"At the same time, the European Union remains ready to continue working closely with the United States, NATO, and other allies, in close cooperation with Denmark, to advance our shared security interests," Ursula von der Leyen said.

She believed that tariffs "run counter" to the US and EU's shared interest in trade and investment.

"We also discussed transatlantic trade and investment. They are a major asset for both the EU and US economies. Tariffs run counter to these shared interests," she said.

The meeting comes after Trump's threats to impose tariffs on Denmark and other UK and European Union countries, unless they agree to sell Greenland.

In his post, Trump claimed the move is necessary for national security, citing China's and Russia's interest in the territory.

He offered to negotiate with the European nations but warned of escalating tariffs of 10 per cent from February 1, 2026, and 25 per cent from June 1, 2026 if a deal wasn't reached, stating it was "time for Denmark to give back" after years of US support.

Earlier, UK PM stated that the use of tariffs against allies is "completely wrong", noting that the Arctic island belongs to its people and Denmark, describing the right as "fundamental".

"The security of Greenland matters, and it will matter more as climate change reshapes the Arctic. As sea routes open and strategic competition intensifies, the High North will require greater attention, greater investment, and stronger collective defence. The United States will be central to that effort, and the UK stands ready to contribute fully alongside our allies through NATO. But there is a principle here that cannot be set aside because it goes to the heart of how stable and trusted international cooperation works," Starmer said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
From an Indian perspective, it's interesting to see how climate change is opening up new geopolitical battlegrounds like the Arctic. While the sovereignty point is paramount, the strategic importance of Greenland is undeniable. India should also be watching this space closely for its own polar research and future interests.
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Ananya R
Using tariffs as a weapon to force a sale? What kind of diplomacy is this? It sets a terrible precedent. If this logic is accepted, then any powerful nation can make claims on territories of others. The people of Greenland have a right to decide their own future, full stop.
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Vikram M
The mention of China and Russia's interest is the real story here. The Arctic is becoming the new chessboard. While the method is questionable, the US is probably trying to secure its position before others. Still, "time for Denmark to give back" sounds more like a landlord than an ally. 🤔
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Karthik V
Respectfully, while the EU is talking about principles, I wish they showed the same unwavering support for sovereignty in other parts of the world too. The double standards in global politics are glaring. That said, threatening allies with tariffs over land acquisition is not the way.
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Priya S
It feels like we're going backwards in time. Colonial-era tactics of land acquisition are being discussed in the 21st century! The focus should be on cooperative security and climate action in the Arctic, not on who owns the ice. Let's hope cooler heads prevail.

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