'Europe Won't Be Blackmailed', Says Danish PM

Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen responded to US President Donald Trump’s tariff threats, saying, “Europe won’t be blackmailed.” Her remarks came after Trump announced on social media plans to impose tariffs on a group of European countries to pressure leaders into negotiations over Greenland. The threatened 10% tariff would affect goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland. It is set to take effect on February 1, could rise to 25%, and would remain in place until a deal is reached.

Trump has previously described Greenland as crucial to US security, saying America would acquire it “the easy way” or “the hard way”. His comments sparked protests in Greenland and Denmark, with rallies in major Danish cities, including Copenhagen, and in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital. Demonstrators carried signs reading “Hands Off Greenland” and “Greenland for Greenlanders.” Surveys show that 85% of Greenlanders oppose becoming part of the US. Denmark has received backing from other European nations, arguing that protecting the Arctic should remain a collective NATO responsibility.

Though sparsely populated, Greenland is rich in resources, and its location between North America and the Arctic makes it strategically important for missile early-warning systems and monitoring regional maritime activity. Trump has emphasised that the United States sees Greenland as a key shield against Chinese and Russian activity in the Arctic.