Brussels, Belgium – European Union leaders are meeting today in the Belgian capital, Brussels. The meeting aims to forge a unified stance against US President Donald Trump’s ambitions to control Greenland, amid heightened economic and political tensions across the Atlantic.
Conditional retreat from the “tariff war”
The past few hours have seen a temporary breakthrough, with Trump announcing via TruthSocial that he is suspending his decision to impose additional 10% tariffs on exports from allied European countries. These tariffs were scheduled to take effect on February 1st. This reversal came after a meeting Trump described as “very productive” with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on the sidelines of the Davos Economic Forum in Switzerland. Trump also claimed to have reached a “framework for a future agreement” concerning the island and the Arctic region.
Denmark’s position: Greenland is a “red line”
In response, Denmark issued a firm statement. Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen declared, “The United States will never own Greenland; that is a red line that cannot be crossed.” In his remarks to Danish broadcaster DR, Rasmussen avoided confirming the existence of any formal agreements. However, he emphasized that the self-governing Danish territory was not for sale, responding to Trump’s repeated calls for urgent negotiations to purchase it.
Dimensions of the conflict: National security and the “Golden Dome”
Trump’s interest in Greenland, the world’s largest island, is based on strategic considerations, including Washington’s need to secure its influence in the Arctic and the Golden Dome, a defense project Trump sees as a strategic necessity. It also relates to geography, given the region’s increasing importance as the ice melts, opening up new trade routes and natural resources.
EU strategy
Before the summit began, European officials confirmed that the bloc currently prefers diplomatic solutions. However, they have “countermeasures” on the table should Trump reinstate tariffs, emphasizing that a unified European stance is the strongest response to American pressure tactics.
