France and the United Kingdom have strongly criticised US President Donald Trump’s threat to impose tariffs on European nations for opposing his proposal to purchase Greenland, calling the move unacceptable and wrong.
French President Emmanuel Macron said tariff threats have no place in diplomatic relations and stressed that Europe would respond in a united and coordinated manner to safeguard its sovereignty. In a post on X, Macron reiterated France’s commitment to the independence and sovereignty of nations, adding that this principle was the basis for France’s participation in a Denmark-led military exercise in Greenland. He underlined that security in the Arctic region and Europe’s outer borders is at stake, and said France fully stands by its decision.
Macron also made it clear that intimidation would not influence Europe’s stance, whether in Ukraine, Greenland, or elsewhere, signalling a firm response to pressure from Washington.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer echoed similar sentiments, terming Trump’s tariff threat “completely wrong.” According to Reuters, Starmer said imposing tariffs on allies for pursuing collective NATO security was unjustified and counterproductive. He added that the UK would raise the issue directly with the US administration.
Starmer also reiterated Britain’s position that Greenland’s future must be decided by Denmark and the people of Greenland, not through external pressure.
Trump had earlier announced that the US would impose 10% tariffs on eight European nations for opposing his Greenland acquisition plan, warning that the tariffs would rise to 25% if a deal was not finalised. The announcement has further strained transatlantic ties and sparked concerns over trade and security relations between the US and its European allies.