'A deal is a deal': EU chief pushes back as Trump threatens 100% tariffs over Greenland; calls punitive measures a 'mistake'

European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday warned the United States against imposing punitive tariffs on European allies over Greenland, calling such a move a “mistake” and cautioning that it could damage long-standing partnerships.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, von der Leyen said, “The proposed additional tariffs are a mistake especially between long-standing allies.”





She pointed to an existing agreement between the two sides, adding, “The European Union and the United States have agreed to a trade deal last July. And in politics as in business - a deal is a deal. And when friends shake hands, it must mean something.”

Her comments followed remarks by US President Donald Trump on Monday (local time), when he said he would “100%” proceed with plans to impose tariffs on European countries unless a deal over Greenland is reached.

Von der Leyen also addressed growing tensions over Greenland by offering cooperation with Washington on Arctic security and pledging increased European involvement in the region. “We are working on a massive European investment surge in Greenland,” she said. “We will work with the United States and all partners on wider Arctic security. This is clearly in our shared interest.”

She underlined the need for Europe to adapt to shifting global dynamics, saying, “Europe must speed up its push for independence - the world has changed permanently, we need to change with it. Europe is preparing its own security strategy, upgrading our arctic strategy.”

Trump has also intensified his bid to seize control of Greenland from Denmark, a fellow Nato ally, prompting the European Union to consider possible countermeasures. According to Reuters, the dispute risks destabilising the Nato alliance, already under strain from the war in Ukraine and Trump’s position on allied defence spending.