Trump’s Greenland tariff threat ignites EU emergency response. Trump announced sanctions on several European states that opposed his claim to Greenland, prompting an emergency EU ambassadors’ meeting in Brussels and mass protests in Nuuk involving roughly 25 % of the capital’s residents[3]. French President Macron, British Prime Minister Starmer, and Italian Prime Minister Meloni joined eight other governments in a joint statement labeling the tariffs “unacceptable”[3]. The move was widely described as intimidation and blackmail, heightening fears of a broader trans‑Atlantic rift[2].

European officials warn the dispute could fracture NATO. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that any U.S. annexation attempt would halt NATO operations, underscoring the alliance’s vulnerability[2]. Former NATO Secretary‑General Jens Stoltenberg’s memoir, cited in the AP piece, warned that Trump’s earlier summit threats nearly collapsed the alliance[2]. NATO Secretary‑General Mark Rutte said he had spoken with Trump and expected a Davos meeting, while European Council President Antonio Costa called an extraordinary summit to address the tension[3].

EU accelerates push for strategic autonomy and defense spending. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged rapid strengthening of European defense capabilities, arguing that Europe must become less dependent on U.S. suppliers[2]. The AP report notes a broader EU effort to craft its own security strategy, including increased defense funding and reduced reliance on American equipment[2]. Merz also called for massive NATO‑faith renewal and investment in European sovereignty during the Davos week[1].

European Parliament blocks ratification of the US‑EU trade deal. A coalition of MEPs halted a vote to approve the pending US‑European trade agreement, citing the Greenland dispute and broader security concerns as obstacles[1]. Lawmakers emphasized that any trade concessions must be balanced against strategic risks, reflecting Europe’s cautious stance amid the tariff episode[1]. The blockage adds pressure on Washington as it seeks to advance its broader European agenda.

Trump retreats from annexation rhetoric and outlines future framework. At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump ruled out military force and dropped the threatened tariffs, instead presenting a “framework for a future deal” on Greenland after a bilateral meeting with NATO Secretary‑General Mark Rutte[1]. While the announcement softens the immediate crisis, European leaders remain skeptical, noting that the underlying strategic competition with China and Russia persists[3]. The shift marks a de‑escalation but leaves unresolved questions about long‑term trans‑Atlantic relations.