Macron's strong stance against Trump's Greenland tariffs: A united EU response
President Emmanuel Macron has responded to Donald Trump's tariff threats.
Image: Philippe Magoni / AFP
President Emmanuel Macron has issued a sharp rebuke to Donald Trump on Saturday, labelling the U.S. President’s latest tariff threats "unacceptable" and vowing that France and its European partners will not be intimidated by attempts to force the sale of Greenland.
The diplomatic firestorm erupted after President Trump announced via social media that he would impose a 10 per cent tariff on eight European nations, including France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, beginning February 1.
Trump stated the levies would rise to 25 per cent on June 1 and remain in place "until such time as a deal is reached for the complete and total purchase of Greenland."
In a pointed response shared on X, Macron linked the defence of Greenland’s sovereignty directly to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, framing both as essential to the international order and the United Nations Charter.
"France is committed to the sovereignty and independence of nations, in Europe and elsewhere," Macron wrote. "It is on this basis that we support, and will continue to support Ukraine and that we have built a coalition of the willing for a robust and lasting peace."
Addressing Trump’s use of economic leverage to dictate territorial borders, Macron was explicit: "No intimidation or threat will influence us—neither in Ukraine, nor in Greenland, nor anywhere else in the world when we are confronted with such situations."
Military personnel believed to be from the German armed Forces Bundeswehr disembark a charter plane upon arrival at Nuuk international airport on January 16, 2026.
Image: Alessandro Rampazzo / AFP
The tension reached a breaking point following a Danish-led military exercise in Greenland earlier this week.
France and several other NATO allies participated in the manoeuvres, which were intended to bolster security at Europe's "outer edges."
Trump, however, viewed the European military presence as a direct provocation against his administration's goal of acquiring the territory for U.S. national security.
Macron defended the military cooperation, stating, "We fully assume this decision, because security in the Arctic and at the outer edges of our Europe is at stake."
The French President warned that any attempt to implement these trade penalties would be met with a "united and coordinated" response from the European Union.
"Tariff threats are unacceptable and have no place in this context," Macron said. "Europeans will respond in a united and coordinated manner should they be confirmed. We will ensure that European sovereignty is upheld."
Diplomatic sources suggest the EU is already considering the activation of its "Anti-Coercion Instrument," a powerful trade tool designed to allow the bloc to retaliate against economic blackmail with its own tariffs and restrictions.
Macron concluded his statement by signalling that he is already mobilising a collective front: "It is in this spirit that I will engage with our European partners."