Europe Will Not Be Blackmailed, Danish PM Says Over Trump Greenland Tariff Threats

Europe will not be blackmailed, Danish PM says over Trump Greenland tariff threats Copenhagen/Brussels Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has firmly rejected pressure from the United States after President Donald Trump threatened new tariffs in an apparent bid to force European backing for a proposed U.S. takeover of Greenland.
Speaking amid rising diplomatic tensions, Frederiksen said Europe would not give in to economic intimidation, stressing that Greenland’s future cannot be decided through threats or coercion.
Trump has warned of fresh tariffs on European countries, including Denmark, as he renews his long-standing push to bring Greenland under U.S. control — a move European leaders have repeatedly dismissed as unacceptable. Frederiksen described the tactic as blackmail, insisting that relations between allies must be based on mutual respect, international law and dialogue, not pressure. “Europe will not be blackmailed. Decisions about Greenland must be made by Greenlanders themselves,” the Danish prime minister said.
Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.
Danish and EU officials have reiterated that Greenland is not for sale.
The issue has sparked renewed debate over sovereignty, Arctic security and transatlantic relations.
European leaders have largely closed ranks behind Denmark, warning that tariff threats could escalate into a broader trade dispute and further strain already fragile U.S.–EU relations.
Analysts say the standoff highlights growing friction between Washington and Europe over geopolitics, trade and Arctic influence, with Greenland’s strategic location making it a focal point of global rivalry. While diplomatic talks are expected to continue, Frederiksen made clear that economic pressure will not change Europe’s position, signalling a tougher European stance as the Greenland row intensifies.