The US and the EU are on the verge of an economic war over Greenland. What the media is writing

The countries of the European Union (EU) will discuss the introduction of retaliatory tariffs after US President Donald Trump threatened to impose duties on imports from eight countries that sent their military to Greenland. The head of the White House continues to insist on US control over the world's largest island, explaining this as a threat from Russia. How the conflict over Greenland is developing is in the Izvestia digest.

Financial Times: EU prepares 93 billion euro tariffs in response to Trump's threat

In response to Trump's threats against NATO allies opposing his campaign to seize Greenland, EU countries are considering imposing duties on 93 billion euros worth of US goods or restricting access to the European market for American companies. This step marks the most serious crisis in transatlantic relations in recent decades. The retaliatory measures are being developed in order to give European leaders leverage in key meetings with Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos this week.

Trump, who demanded permission from Denmark to control Greenland, promised on January 17 to impose 10 percent duties from February 1 on goods from Britain, Norway and six EU countries that sent troops to the Arctic island to conduct military exercises this week. France has already called on the EU to take retaliatory measures using the ACI (Anti-Coercion Instrument, also known as the "trade bazooka"), which has never been used since its adoption in 2023. It includes investment restrictions and may hinder the export of services provided by large U.S. technology companies to the EU.

Bloomberg: Trump's duties on Greenland have disrupted the EU's appeasement plan

On January 17, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was preparing to score a rare victory by concluding a trade agreement with the largest economies in South America. But Trump had other plans. Moments before von der Leyen took the podium in Paraguay, the US president made a sharp statement: he was imposing additional duties on European goods for supporting Greenland. Von der Leyen suddenly found herself in the spotlight as people waited to see if she would publicly denounce Trump's threat to destroy their alliance.

Von der Leyen is delaying the implementation of the promised economic recovery plan at home, which makes Europe even more vulnerable to pressure from the United States. This economic weakness and its weakness in trade relations are now converging on Greenland, as Trump's ultimatum over tariffs on the Danish territory puts the US and the EU on the brink of economic war. Von der Leyen's ability to lead the EU through this moment will have existential consequences.

Reuters: Trump says he is eliminating the "Russian threat" to Greenland

On January 18, Trump announced the existence of a "Russian threat" to Greenland, which Denmark cannot eliminate. Because of this, he believes, the island should come under the control of the United States. Trump has repeatedly stated that he would not agree to anything less than owning Greenland, which is an autonomous territory of Denmark.

The leaders of Denmark and Greenland insist that the island is not for sale and does not want to be part of the United States. Trump has promised to impose duties on goods from European allies until the United States allows the purchase of Greenland. The US president said that the increasing presence of China and Russia makes Greenland vital for American security. Danish and other European officials noted that Greenland is already covered by the NATO Collective Security pact.

Politico: Trump's threats are pushing Europe to divorce America

As with many falling apart relationships, since Trump's return to the White House, it has been a story of squabbles, unspoken disagreements, and attempts to maintain a veneer of well-being in public. But for many European governments, including America's longest-standing and most loyal allies, Trump's threat to impose punitive tariffs on anyone who tries to prevent him from seizing Greenland was the last straw. They believe that divorce is now inevitable.

European officials increasingly believe that it is time to face the truth: Trump's America is no longer a reliable trading partner, much less a reliable security ally, and it is urgent to look to the future. If the US approach does not change, this process is likely to result in a radical change in the West that will overturn the global balance of power. The consequences range from transatlantic economic damage to security threats.

Northern influence: Europe and the United States on the verge of a trade war over Greenland

The European Union is nervous about Trump's plans to impose duties against EU countries

The New York Times: EU representatives are leaning towards negotiations rather than retaliatory measures

Faced with the threat of punitive tariffs by Trump, EU leaders began to build a negotiating strategy, without excluding the introduction of their own retaliatory tariffs. Although these were only preliminary talks, they clarified a few points. First, officials would prefer to negotiate rather than take retaliatory measures. But they are also determined to protect Greenland from being bought or seized if its people do not want it.

It is likely that all options for the European Union's actions will be discussed later this week when the leaders gather in Brussels. Such a meeting will take place just before many European politicians travel to Davos for the annual World Economic Forum. Trump also plans to visit him, which will create an opportunity for dialogue. Although many European leaders are still hoping for an opportunity to resolve the situation through negotiations, so far the discussions have essentially proved fruitless.