Leaders of France, UK and Sweden respond to Trump's tariff threats

French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer have called US President Donald Trump's threats to impose tariffs on their countries unacceptable and wrong, following their refusal to support his stance on Greenland.

Source: Macron on X (Twitter); Starmer in a statement cited by BBC; Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson on X

Quote from Macron: "No intimidation or threats will influence us, whether in Ukraine, Greenland or anywhere else in the world when we are faced with such situations.

Tariff threats are unacceptable and have no place in this context. Europeans will respond in a united and coordinated manner if they are confirmed. We will ensure that European sovereignty is respected. It is in this spirit that I will hold talks with our European partners."

Quote from Starmer: "Our position on Greenland is very clear – it is part of the Kingdom of Denmark and its future is a matter for the Greenlanders and the Danes. We have also made clear that Arctic Security matters for the whole of NATO and allies should all do more together to address the threat from Russia across different parts of the Arctic.

Applying tariffs on allies for pursuing the collective security of NATO allies is completely wrong. We will of course be pursuing this directly with the US administration."

Quote from Kristersson: "We will not allow ourselves to be blackmailed. Only Denmark and Greenland decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland. I will always stand up for my country and for our allied neighbours. This is an EU issue that affects many more countries than those currently being singled out. Sweden is now engaged in intensive discussions with other EU countries, Norway and the United Kingdom to arrive at a joint response."

Background:

• On Saturday, Trump announced the introduction of tariffs from 1 February on several countries that do not agree with his position on Greenland.
• Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland will be subject to a 10% tariff on any and all goods exported to the United States from 1 February 2026.

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