Trump’s Greenland Tariffs Spark EU Fury, Beijing and Moscow Watch Closely

Trump’s Greenland Tariffs Ignite EU Fury, China and Russia Watch Closely

Tensions between the US and Europe escalated over the weekend after EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned that President Donald Trump’s new tariffs linked to Greenland were dividing Western allies and benefiting China and Russia.

“China and Russia must be having a field day,” Kallas wrote on X. She argued that any security concerns about Greenland should be handled within NATO rather than through trade measures. “Tariffs risk making both Europe and the US poorer and undermine our shared prosperity,” she added, urging that the dispute not distract from supporting Ukraine in its war against Russia.

Trump announced tariffs of 10% on goods from eight European countries—UK, Denmark, France, Germany, Finland, Netherlands, and Norway—starting February 1, citing Greenland’s strategic Arctic location and mineral wealth. Rates are expected to rise in June. Denmark and Greenland have firmly rejected any US attempt to acquire the territory, reaffirming Danish sovereignty.

EU leaders, including European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, warned that the tariffs could spark a “dangerous downward spiral” in transatlantic relations. Moscow also weighed in, with Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev mocking the move, claiming it was an attempt to exploit divisions within NATO.

The dispute highlights rising strains within the Western alliance, with analysts warning that Arctic geopolitics and trade disagreements could further test transatlantic unity.