According to Iraf News Agency, citing IRNA, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Saturday warned that the European Union would defend its sovereignty if the United States attempted to acquire Greenland.
The warning comes as the US has threatened to impose a 10% tariff on countries opposing the annexation of Greenland, from February 1.
US President Donald Trump’s administration has criticized Europe in its National Security Strategy document.
The 33-page document released on December 5, includes contentious points about Europe, claiming that the continent’s economic decline is driven by a “real and clearer prospect of civilizational decay” over the next 20 years.
The strategy also heavily criticizes European allies, stating that the US will support opponents of EU-led values, including on migration.
The new National Security Strategy document states that major challenges facing Europe include the activities of the EU and other supranational institutions that undermine sovereignty and political freedom, migration policies that have transformed the continent, censorship and suppression of free speech, declining birth rates, and erosion of national identity and confidence.
The document criticizes Europe’s approach to Russia, viewing it as a sign of “strategic lack of confidence” on the continent. While not mentioning Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine or Moscow’s policies, the document claims that only the US can establish a balance between Europe and Russia and create a level of strategic stability in Eurasia.
Macron Slams Trump’s Tariffs Against European Countries Opposing Greenland Sale
In a separate development, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that US tariffs against European allies over the Greenland issue are unacceptable.
Macron’s comments came on Saturday evening after US President Donald Trump announced that a 10% tariff would be imposed on eight European countries opposing the annexation of Greenland by the United States, effective February 1.
Trump added that the tariffs would increase to 25% starting June 1, 2025, and would remain in place until “the United States purchases Greenland.”
The countries affected by the tariffs are Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, the Netherlands, France, Germany, and the UK.
Trump announced on Tuesday that NATO should pave the way for Washington to acquire Greenland, an island under Danish sovereignty.
European countries have reacted to Trump’s efforts to acquire Greenland by emphasizing that they will defend Denmark’s sovereignty over the island. Germany and France have also deployed military forces to Greenland.
A recent poll released on Wednesday showed that only 17% of Americans support Trump’s efforts to acquire Greenland, with a significant majority of Democrats and Republicans opposing the use of military force to annex the island.
Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, manages most of its internal affairs. Its unique geopolitical position and rich natural resources, including rare minerals, have made it a coveted target for the US.
