BRUSSELS — European Council President António Costa issued a stark warning on Wednesday that President Donald Trump’s dual threats of annexing Greenland and imposing tariffs on European allies represent a fundamental challenge to European security, principles, and economic prosperity.
The escalating transatlantic tensions have prompted Costa to convene an emergency summit of the EU’s 27 national leaders in Brussels, where they will formulate a unified response to what they perceive as unprecedented provocations from Washington.
Trump’s expressed determination to acquire mineral-rich Greenland, justified under questionable security pretexts, has severely eroded trust among traditional allies in Europe and Canada. The situation intensified when Denmark deployed military reconnaissance forces to Greenland—a semi-autonomous Danish territory—prompting Trump’s ire. Several European nations contributed small troop contingents to this operation, with Denmark considering a more permanent military presence in the Arctic region.
Costa emphasized that EU leaders remain steadfast in their commitment to international law, territorial integrity, and national sovereignty—principles previously invoked in defending Ukraine against Russian invasion and now relevant to Greenland’s status. In an address to EU lawmakers in Strasbourg, France, Costa unequivocally stated that only “Denmark and Greenland can decide their future.”
The European Council President further warned that additional tariffs would fundamentally undermine transatlantic relations and violate the EU-US trade agreement negotiated last July. European lawmakers, who must ratify this agreement, have threatened to withhold approval in response to Trump’s tariff threats.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced developing plans for a “massive European investment surge in Greenland” to strengthen its economy and infrastructure, alongside a new European security strategy. She proposed enhancing security around the island through partnerships with the UK, Canada, Norway, and Iceland.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, historically a strong advocate for transatlantic cooperation, declared on social media that “appeasement is always a sign of weakness,” emphasizing that “European assertiveness and self-confidence have become the need of the moment.” Von der Leyen echoed this sentiment, stating the EU stands “fully prepared to act, if necessary, with unity, urgency and determination.”