NATO Chief Discusses Greenland with Trump, European Nations Express Solidarity with Denmark
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte spoke with US President Donald Trump on Sunday (local time) regarding the security situation in Greenland and the Arctic, amid Washington’s threat to impose 10 percent tariffs on Denmark and several European Union countries.
Rutte also confirmed that he will meet Trump later this week in Davos.
In a post on X, Rutte said:
“Spoke with POTUS regarding the security situation in Greenland and the Arctic. We will continue working on this, and I look forward to seeing him in Davos later this week.”
No further details of the conversation were shared.
Meanwhile, several European nations have expressed support and solidarity with Denmark and Greenland in response to Trump’s tariff threats. A joint statement by Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom—shared by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs—stressed that the military exercise ‘Arctic Endurance’ poses no threat and affirmed their full backing of Denmark and the people of Greenland.
The statement also warned that the threat of tariffs undermines transatlantic relations and risks a dangerous escalation.
On Saturday, Trump had threatened to impose tariffs on the United Kingdom and other European countries unless they agree to sell Greenland. He described the move as necessary for national security, citing China’s and Russia’s interest in the territory.
Trump offered to negotiate with the European nations but warned that tariffs would escalate to 10 percent from February 1, 2026, and 25 percent from June 1, 2026, if no agreement is reached. He added that it was “time for Denmark to give back” after years of US support.
The countries named in Trump’s post—Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland—are now under scrutiny amid the threat of tariffs. (Agencies)
