Thousands of people took to the streets of Greenland on Saturday to protest against U.S. President Donald Trump’s statements about taking control of Greenland. Demonstrators chanted “Greenland is not for sale”, expressing anger over what they see as a direct threat to their sovereignty.
Protesters marched through the icy streets of Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, from downtown areas to the U.S. Consulate, waving national flags and holding anti-Trump placards. According to police, this was the largest protest ever held in Greenland, with nearly one-quarter of Nuuk’s population participating.
Trump’s Greenland Threat Fuels Public Anger
The demonstrations come amid renewed controversy after Trump reiterated his desire for the “complete and total purchase” of Greenland, a position he has maintained since 2019. His aggressive rhetoric has intensified during his second presidential term, triggering strong backlash both in Greenland and across Europe.
US Imposes 10% Tariffs on 8 European Countries
In a sharp escalation, the United States announced 10% tariffs on eight European countries that openly opposed U.S. threats over Greenland. The tariffs will take effect from February 1.
Countries affected:
- Denmark
- Norway
- Sweden
- France
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- Netherlands
- Finland
Trump warned that if no agreement on Greenland is reached by June 1, tariffs would rise to 25%.
EU-US Trade Agreement at Risk
The Greenland dispute has placed the EU-US trade agreement in serious jeopardy. The European People’s Party (EPP), the largest group in the European Parliament, has indicated it may block final approval of the deal.
EPP President Manfred Weber stated:
“We supported the trade agreement, but Trump’s threats over Greenland make approval impossible.”
He also called for freezing the planned 0% tariffs on U.S. goods.
European Parliament May Freeze the Deal
If EPP lawmakers align with left-wing parties, they could secure enough votes to delay or completely halt the agreement, which still requires parliamentary approval.
The deal was negotiated last year by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to avoid a transatlantic trade war.
Key Terms of the EU-US Trade Deal
- U.S. agreed to impose 15% tariffs on most European goods
- EU committed to eliminate tariffs on U.S. industrial and selected agricultural products
- EU to purchase $750 billion worth of U.S. energy over three years
- EU to invest $600 billion in the U.S., including pharma, auto, and defense sectors
However, steel, copper, and aluminum remain subject to 50% tariffs.
European Leaders Condemn Trump’s Statements
French President Emmanuel Macron described Trump’s remarks as “unacceptable.” European leaders emphasized that Greenland’s sovereignty must be respected and warned that allies should not threaten one another.
The U.S. currently maintains 15% tariffs on the European Union, down from Trump’s earlier threat of 30%.
European Countries Deploy Troops to Greenland
In support of Denmark, several European nations—including France, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Finland, the Netherlands, and the UK—are sending limited military personnel to Greenland as part of a monitoring mission.
Germany confirmed the deployment of a 13-member security team, while Sweden sent armed forces officers for joint military exercises.
EU Warns China and Russia Could Benefit
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned that the dispute could benefit China and Russia, stating:
“Divisions among allies create opportunities for our adversaries.”
She added that Greenland’s security concerns should be resolved within NATO, cautioning that tariff wars could weaken both Europe and the U.S.
Can Trump Legally Acquire Greenland?
Legally, Trump’s plan faces major obstacles:
- Greenland and the U.S. are both NATO members
- NATO rules prohibit one member from seizing another’s territory
- Article 5 treats an attack on one member as an attack on all
For Greenland to join the U.S.:
- Greenland must first become independent from Denmark
- A referendum must be held
- Approval from the Danish Parliament is required
Why Greenland Is Strategically Important
1. Strategic Location
Situated between North America and Europe in the mid-Atlantic
2. Military Significance
Home to the U.S. Thule Air Base, crucial for missile detection
3. Monitoring China and Russia
Growing Arctic activity by both nations
4. Natural Resources
Large reserves of rare earth minerals, oil, and gas
5. New Shipping Routes
Melting Arctic ice opening new global trade routes
6. U.S. National Security
Washington considers Greenland a critical frontline defense zone
Read more: Significance of the Free Trade Agreement