EU Stresses Respect for Greenland’s Sovereignty Amid Rising Transatlantic Tensions

Davos, Jan 2026 : European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has asserted that the sovereignty of Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark must be “unequivocally” respected, describing the matter as one of utmost importance for the future of transatlantic relations. Her remarks come at a time when fresh strain has emerged between Europe and the United States following renewed tariff threats linked to Greenland.

Von der Leyen made the comments in a post on social media platform X after meeting a bipartisan delegation from the US Congress on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos. Highlighting Europe’s firm position, she said the issue of sovereignty was clearly raised during discussions with American lawmakers.

“I also addressed the need to unequivocally respect the sovereignty of Greenland and of the Kingdom of Denmark,” von der Leyen wrote, underlining that respect for territorial integrity and international law remains a foundational principle for the European Union.

On the trade front, the European Commission President strongly pushed back against the use of tariffs as a political tool. She stressed that transatlantic trade and investment represent a major asset for both the European Union and the United States, supporting millions of jobs and driving economic growth on both sides of the Atlantic. According to her, tariffs run counter to shared economic interests and risk damaging one of the world’s most important economic partnerships.

Her remarks come amid escalating tensions after US President Donald Trump threatened new tariffs on a group of European countries that have expressed support for Denmark and Greenland. The warnings have prompted EU officials and several member states to begin weighing possible responses, while also emphasizing the need to keep diplomatic channels open to avoid further escalation.

Earlier, von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa publicly reaffirmed the EU’s full solidarity with Denmark and Greenland. Both leaders cautioned that the imposition of tariffs would undermine transatlantic relations and could trigger a “dangerous downward spiral” of retaliatory measures, harming global economic stability.

Across Europe, governments are increasingly hardening their stance in response to Trump’s statements. There has been growing condemnation over his renewed push to assert control over Greenland, with many European leaders calling for a tough and coordinated response from the European Union. Some have urged the bloc to be prepared to deploy its full range of countermeasures if necessary.

In a social media post over the weekend, Trump announced that the United States would impose a 10 per cent tariff from February 1 on goods imported from eight European countries opposing his ambition regarding Greenland. He further warned that the tariff rate could rise to 25 per cent from June 1 and remain in place until what he described as a deal for the “complete and total purchase” of Greenland is reached.

As geopolitical and economic pressures mount, the EU’s leadership has made clear that respect for sovereignty, dialogue, and cooperation remain central to preserving stable and constructive transatlantic ties.

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