NATO chief confirms talks with US President Donald Trump over Greenland, to meet this week in Davos
While NATO chief Mark Rutte spoke with US President Donald Trump about the security of the Arctic and Greenland, Washington threatened tariffs on many European countries. European countries expressed solidarity with Denmark and warned that the move could harm transatlantic relations.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte held a meeting with US President Donald Trump on Sunday, focusing on security developments in Greenland and the Arctic region. The debate comes amid rising diplomatic tensions after Washington threatened to impose tariffs on several European countries, including Denmark.
Rutte confirmed the conversation in a post on social media, stating that both leaders discussed security issues in the Arctic and agreed to continue engagement on the issue. He also announced plans to meet with President Trump on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos this week. No further details about the call were disclosed.
European Nations Rally Behind Denmark and Greenland
As concerns grow about US pressure on Greenland, a group of European countries have issued a joint statement expressing their strong support for the people of Denmark and Greenland. The declaration was published by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and approved by Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
In the statement, it was emphasized that the ongoing multinational military exercise, known as Arctic Endurance, is for defensive purposes and does not pose a threat to any country. While he underlined the commitment of the participating nations to unity and cooperation in the Arctic, he also rejected attempts to use economic pressure in the region.
Tariff Threats Raise Transatlantic Concerns
European leaders have warned that the threat of new US tariffs could damage long-standing transatlantic ties. According to the statement, such measures could trigger a dangerous cycle of retaliation and undermine collective security and economic stability among allies.
President Trump on Saturday warned that the United States could impose tariffs on the United Kingdom and some European Union countries if Denmark does not agree to cede control of Greenland. Trump pointed out that China and Russia have increased interest in the North Pole and argued that this move was necessary for the national security of the United States.
Proposed Tariff Timeline and Reactions
Trump said talks remain possible but laid out a firm timeline if talks fail. He threatened to increase customs duties to 10 percent as of February 1, 2026, and to 25 percent by June 1, 2026. In his speech, Trump claimed that Denmark “owed” the United States for years of support and suggested that it was time for Greenland’s status to change.
The countries mentioned in Trump’s tariff warning include Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland. European officials have so far rejected the presumption of the request and reaffirmed Greenland’s right to self-determination and Denmark’s sovereignty.
