Jan 17, 2026, 10:19 p.mJan 17, 2026, 10:19 p.m
Greenlanders protested in Nuuk on Saturday against Trump’s plans for their island.Image: keystone
Representatives of the EU states are meeting for a special meeting this Sunday following US President Donald Trump’s tariff threat in the Greenland conflict. Following the latest announcements from the USA, an extraordinary meeting at ambassadorial level has been called for the afternoon, the current Cypriot Council Presidency announced.
It initially remained unclear whether possible countermeasures would be discussed. Since 2023, the EU has had an instrument to defend itself against trade policy pressure. According to the relevant regulation, this is a situation in which a third country tries to persuade the EU or a member state to take a certain decision through trade measures. Counter-tariffs and many other measures are then possible according to the regulation. However, the instrument should only be a last resort.
Trump wants to force the Greenland purchase with tariffs
With reference to the Greenland conflict, Trump announced on Saturday that he wanted to impose additional tariffs against Germany and seven other European countries. From February 1st, punitive tariffs of 10 percent will apply, and from June 1st, tariffs of 25 percent will apply to all goods sent to the USA. The staggered tariffs should apply until an agreement is reached on the complete purchase of the Arctic island, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. Countries that have recently sent soldiers on a reconnaissance mission to the island are affected by the tariff threat. (sda/dpa)