Denmark calls US tariffs over Greenland 'paradoxical' and 'disruptive'

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen has denounced new U.S. tariff threats against European allies as contradictory and damaging. The tariffs, tied to U.S. ambitions for Greenland, were announced as European nations were participating in an Arctic security exercise.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen has sharply criticized the United States for imposing new tariffs on several European nations, labeling the move "paradoxical" and "disruptive." Speaking at a joint news conference in Oslo with Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide on Sunday, Rasmussen argued the economic penalties directly contradict a concerted European effort to enhance Arctic security, a priority Washington itself has emphasized.

A punitive move amid allied security cooperation

The U.S. announcement, made by President Donald Trump on Saturday, targets eight European countries—Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland—with tariffs starting at 10% on February 1 and escalating to 25% in June. Trump explicitly linked the tariffs to securing a deal for the "complete and total purchase of Greenland." Rasmussen noted the irony, stating, "It is disruptive that we now have this message from the president, which comes on the back of a number of European countries having taken on the task that Trump believes we have neglected." He was referring to the ongoing Operation Arctic Endurance, a Danish-led military exercise involving several of the targeted nations.

A firm European stance on sovereignty and principles

Both ministers reaffirmed that Europe must and will respond collectively to the tariffs, which Rasmussen said would affect the entire European Union bloc. Norwegian Foreign Minister Eide echoed his counterpart's resolve, emphasizing that "fundamental principles are being called into question" and vowing, "We will not allow ourselves to be pressured." Rasmussen described recent talks with U.S. officials as "constructive" but aimed at one goal: convincing President Trump to "give up his dream of taking over Greenland." He characterized the American leader as "unconventional, to put it mildly," but added, "the United States is also more than the president."

The core issue: Greenland's strategic value and sovereignty

The autonomous Danish territory of Greenland has become a flashpoint due to its vast mineral resources and strategic position in the Arctic. President Trump has repeatedly stated the U.S. must "acquire" Greenland to prevent Russian or Chinese control, framing it as a national security imperative. Both the government of Denmark and Greenland's own authorities have consistently and categorically rejected any proposal to sell the territory, asserting Danish sovereignty as non-negotiable. This clash between unilateral territorial ambition and the sovereign rights of a nation underscores a profound challenge to the rules-based international order. For nations like Türkiye, which staunchly defends its own sovereignty and champions stable, respectful international relations, the episode highlights the critical importance of upholding the principle that a country's territorial integrity is inviolable.