European Parliament Deliberates Response to US Greenland Threats and Impending Trade Tariffs

On Wednesday, January 21, 2026, the European Parliament convened in Strasbourg for a plenary session focused on establishing a unified front against unprecedented diplomatic pressure from the United States. This surge in transatlantic friction stems from explicit threats regarding the annexation of Greenland voiced by US President Donald Trump. Consequently, the European Union is now weighing significant trade and defense countermeasures to protect regional sovereignty and respond to Washington's aggressive posture.

The legislative discussions follow a series of high-stakes events on Tuesday, January 20, and pivotal diplomatic exchanges at the World Economic Forum in Davos. President Trump issued a stark ultimatum, threatening to impose punitive tariffs on eight European nations unless Denmark agrees to the sale of Greenland. This move has effectively frozen a previously negotiated zero-tariff agreement. Washington has already begun utilizing economic leverage, announcing a 10% tariff set to take effect on February 1, 2026, with the potential to climb to 25% by June 1, 2026. This aggressive timeline marks a total reversal of the July 2025 accords, which had successfully reduced US duties on European exports to 15%.

European institutions have displayed a rare level of cohesion in the face of this economic coercion. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen affirmed that Europe is prepared to take decisive action, stating clearly that Greenland’s sovereignty is non-negotiable. Manfred Weber, leader of the European People's Party (EPP), confirmed that the ratification of the zero-tariff deal would be postponed until the reliability of the partnership is restored. Simultaneously, Iratxe García, head of the Socialists and Democrats (S&D) group, called for the immediate activation of the EU’s Anti-Coercion Instrument (ACI) to shield member states from external bullying.

The friction has expanded beyond mere trade disputes into the realm of security. In a display of solidarity with Denmark, seven NATO allies launched Operation "Arctic Endurance" to deter further escalation. This military exercise, conducted between January 15 and January 17, focused on operational readiness in harsh polar environments. Germany contributed 13 military specialists to Nuuk to explore maritime cooperation alongside contingents from France, Sweden, and Norway. Major General Søren Andersen, head of Denmark’s Arctic Command, noted on January 17 that while the exercises are vital, his primary strategic focus remains the potential threat from Russia rather than the current diplomatic row with the United States.

At the Davos summit, held from January 19 to January 23, European heads of state voiced their strong opposition to the Trump administration's tactics. French President Emmanuel Macron characterized the US approach as "fundamentally unacceptable." Drawing a historical comparison, Ursula von der Leyen likened the current crisis to the 1971 "Nixon Shock," urging the continent to pursue greater strategic autonomy. In retaliation, the EU is drafting a massive package of potential tariffs targeting US goods valued at 93 billion euros. France is particularly vocal about utilizing the ACI, which would allow for unprecedented restrictions on imports, services, and investments. The underlying tension is fueled by Greenland's immense strategic value, as receding ice sheets reveal access to critical rare earth minerals and lucrative new Arctic shipping lanes.