On the 17th, US President Donald Trump announced on social media that the United States would impose an additional 10% tariff on goods imported from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland, effective February 1. Trump further stated that the tariff rate would increase to 25% starting June 1, and would remain in effect until relevant parties reached an agreement on the US's "comprehensive and thorough purchase of Greenland."

In a joint statement, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa declared that the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration "will undermine transatlantic relations and could lead to a dangerous vicious cycle." The statement also emphasized that Europe will continue to "remain committed to upholding its sovereignty." Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen described Trump's move as "surprising."

According to reports from the US political news website Politico, Trump's imposition of new tariffs on European nations could prevent the US-EU trade agreement signed last July from gaining approval from EU legislative bodies. The report indicated that while European Parliament members postponed a decision on whether to freeze the approval of the agreement on the 14th, they are likely to confirm the freeze during a meeting on the 21st.

Recently, European countries including Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland announced the deployment of troops to Greenland to participate in the "Arctic Endurance" military exercise initiated by Denmark on the island. Analysts suggest that while these deployments signal support for Denmark to the United States, the scale of troops sent is minimal, serving more as a political gesture.

Greenland is the world's largest island, with a population of approximately 57,000. It is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, possessing a high degree of self-governance, while defense and foreign affairs are managed by the Danish government. The United States currently maintains a military base on Greenland.

European responses face "significant limitations."

Following Trump's announcement of punitive tariffs against European nations supporting Greenland, European leaders uniformly expressed outrage at the US actions. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated, "Our position on Greenland is very clear—it is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, and its future is a matter for the Greenlandic and Danish people. It is completely wrong to impose tariffs on allies under the pretext of safeguarding the collective security of NATO allies. We will, of course, take this matter up directly with the US government."

French President Emmanuel Macron posted on social media platform X, "France is committed to upholding the sovereignty and independence of nations in Europe and beyond, whether in Ukraine, Greenland, or anywhere else in the world. When we face such situations, no intimidation or threat will sway us."

Even Trump supporter and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage罕见ly issued a statement opposing Trump's policy on social media. "We do not always agree with the actions of the US government, and we certainly do not agree on this matter; these tariffs will harm our interests."

The Economist pointed out that if the US forcibly advances its annexation or purchase of Greenland, it could trigger a rupture in NATO internal relations, leaving European nations facing severe choices. The report noted that potential countermeasures European countries might take include economic sanctions and renegotiations concerning the future of US military bases in Europe.

Manfred Weber, Chairman of the European People's Party (EPP), the largest group in the European Parliament, stated that Trump's move has raised doubts about the US-EU trade agreement negotiated last year, which has yet to be approved. "The European People's Party supports the EU-US trade agreement, but given Trump's threats against Greenland, it is impossible to approve the agreement at this stage... The zero-tariff policy for US products must be suspended."

According to the trade agreement signed by Trump and von der Leyen last July, the US imposes a 15% tariff on goods imported from the EU in exchange for the EU not applying any tariffs on US exports.

However, there remain significant limitations on the countermeasures Europe might adopt. Analysis by The Economist indicates that most European countries still rely on the US for security guarantees. A rupture in US-EU relations would mean European militaries losing access to US communication, intelligence, and ammunition support, rendering their military equipment ineffective. This vulnerability forces European nations to adopt a more restrained strategy.

"The impact on NATO will not be immediate," said Julie Smith, NATO envoy for the Biden administration. "NATO may continue to function, but it would have lost the fundamental element that has sustained it since its creation 75 years ago—mutual trust."

"A Foolish Policy"

Trump's announcement also shocked lawmakers from both US political parties. Republican Congressman Don Bacon posted that Trump's action constituted a "foolish policy." Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina also noted that the new tariffs are "bad for America, bad for American businesses, and bad for America's allies."

Concurrent with Trump's tariff threats, a bipartisan delegation of US lawmakers traveled to Copenhagen to assure Danish and Greenlandic leaders, as well as the public, that most Americans do not support President Trump's plans to annex or purchase Greenland, let alone take military action against a NATO ally.

"Denmark is almost America's best ally," Democratic Senator Chris Coons said during a visit to Copenhagen with other members of Congress. "If what we are doing makes the Danes question whether we are a reliable NATO ally, how will other countries seek to ally with us or believe our promises?"

A Reuters/Ipsos poll released on the 15th showed that fewer than one in five Americans approve of Trump's move to annex Greenland, and only 4% of Americans believe the US should use military force to seize the island.

On the 17th, local time, hundreds of people held a rally and march in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, supporting the maintenance of Greenland's autonomy. Thousands also marched in the Danish capital, Copenhagen, with many waving Greenlandic flags. Some held signs with slogans such as "Make America Smart Again" and "Stop Meddling."

According to a BBC report citing relevant opinion polls, 85% of Greenlanders oppose joining the United States. "This is important for the whole world," Danish protester Elise Rich told the Associated Press. "There are many small countries in the world, and none of them are for sale."