UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has joined European allies in issuing a stark warning to the United States, stating that President Donald Trump's threat of punitive tariffs over Greenland "undermines transatlantic relations and risks a dangerous downward spiral."
Unprecedented Tariff Ultimatum Linked to Greenland
The diplomatic crisis was triggered by a statement from President Trump on Saturday, January 17, 2026. He declared that the United Kingdom, along with Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Finland, would face immediate economic penalties. A 10% tariff on all goods exported to the US would be imposed starting February 1, 2026, escalating to a 25% tariff from June 1.
The President explicitly tied these measures to his administration's ambition for Washington to purchase Greenland from the Kingdom of Denmark. He accused the eight European nations of having "journeyed to Greenland, for purposes unknown," a claim that has drawn widespread criticism.
A United Front: The European Response
In a swift and coordinated rebuke, the eight affected countries released a joint statement on Sunday, January 18. They firmly rejected the premise of the US threat, emphasising their shared commitment to Arctic security within the NATO alliance.
The statement clarified that a recent Danish-led military exercise, Arctic Endurance, conducted with allies was a pre-coordinated activity "that poses no threat to anyone." The nations expressed "full solidarity with the Kingdom of Denmark and the people of Greenland," upholding the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The core of their warning was clear: using trade tariffs as leverage in a territorial dispute sets a perilous precedent. They stated they are prepared for dialogue but will remain "united and coordinated" in their response to protect their economic and political sovereignty.
Political Fallout and Next Steps
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has been vocal in his condemnation, labelling President Trump's move as "completely wrong." He has pledged to take the matter up directly with the US administration, signalling a significant diplomatic challenge early in his premiership.
The situation creates a complex dilemma for the UK, which must balance its vital 'special relationship' with Washington against its standing and legal obligations within the European community. The threat of a transatlantic trade war, sparked by an unprecedented geopolitical proposition, now looms large as the February 1 tariff deadline approaches.
