After years spent deterring Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, European Union leaders now face an unexpected challenge—how to respond to a key ally, the United States, as President Donald Trump threatens a trade war and hints at territorial claims over Greenland.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned on Monday that it would be “a cruel paradox” if, while facing a direct Russian threat and Chinese expansion, the EU and the US were to enter “a conflict among allies.”
Since taking office last month, Trump has threatened tariffs on EU imports and refused to rule out using military force to take control of Greenland, an autonomous territory of NATO ally Denmark. European leaders are also perplexed by Trump’s lack of a clear strategy to end the war in Ukraine within six months, as he pledged during his campaign.
Tusk, whose country currently holds the EU’s rotating presidency, described Trump’s stance as “a serious test” of European unity.
“We have to do everything to avoid this totally unnecessary and stupid tariff war or trade war,” he told reporters in Brussels, where EU leaders gathered to discuss strengthening Europe’s defence industry and military capabilities.
French President Emmanuel Macron asserted that the EU is “a power that stands its ground” and would respond firmly to US tariffs.
“If hit, we have to make ourselves respected,” he said, adding that Trump’s threats were “pushing Europeans to be more united.”
During Trump’s first term, the US imposed tariffs on European steel and aluminium, prompting EU leaders to coordinate with Canada, which has already announced retaliatory measures following Trump’s recent 25% tariff on US imports. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned,
“There are no winners in trade wars. If the US starts one, the only one laughing on the side is China.”
Meanwhile, Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reiterated that Greenland is not for sale and urged a firm EU response if Trump escalates his claims over the island.
“I will never support the idea of fighting allies. But if the US puts tough terms on Europe, we need a collective and robust response,” she stated.
Trump recently left open the possibility of using military force to secure Greenland, as well as the Panama Canal, saying,
“We need Greenland for national security purposes.” Frederiksen responded by affirming Denmark’s sovereignty, stating, “Greenland is part of our territory and it’s not for sale.”
Acknowledging US security concerns in the Arctic, where Russian and Chinese influence is growing, Frederiksen suggested Denmark could increase its security footprint in Greenland. Last week, her government announced a nearly $2 billion agreement to bolster Arctic surveillance, including new naval vessels, drones, and satellite capabilities.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte supported enhanced security efforts in the Arctic, stating,
“It’s absolutely clear that Trump is right when it comes to the High North—we have to do more collectively.”
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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