Call for transatlantic dialogue
Donald Trump threatens to impose tariffs on any country that opposes the US taking over Greenland, and the EU is considering response measures
Corina Cristea, 19.01.2026, 13:50
There has been a lot of excitement these days between the US and the European Union, triggered by the US president Donald Trump’s plans to take over Greenland despite opposition from Denmark, the state that controls this Arctic island, and from other European countries.
The standoff escalated as the White House leader Saturday threatened to introduce additional tariffs on several countries, namely Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland, until “a deal is reached for the complete and total purchase of Greenland.” The 10% duty will become effective as of February 1 and could reach 25% on June 1, Donald Trump said.
European countries are now looking at possible response measures. EU leaders said they would hold an emergency summit on Thursday to discuss introducing their own tariffs if Trump follows through on his threat against any country that opposes his taking over Greenland. The bloc is considering EUR 93 billion worth of tariffs or restricting the access of US companies to its single market. The EU’s response measures are prepared to give Brussels leverage in talks with the US president in Davos this week, where the bloc hopes to reach some compromise.
“I am deeply concerned with the escalation of public statements between transatlantic partners and allies over recent developments. We need to resume talks at the appropriate diplomatic levels,” president Nicuşor Dan said on Sunday.
That same day, the Romanian official received a letter from president Trump, formally inviting Romania to become a member of his “Board of Peace” initiative.
The Board would be chaired for life by Donald Trump and would begin by addressing the Gaza conflict, then expand its work to deal with other conflicts, according to a copy of the letter and a draft charter obtained by Reuters. Membership would be limited to three-year terms, unless member countries pay USD 1 billion each to finance the Board’s activities and secure a permanent seat, the letter said.
Sixty countries have received such letters, and governments have responded mostly cautiously, concerned that the plan could harm the UN’s work. Israeli officials have voiced concern with the Board membership, saying it goes against Israeli policy and that the Israeli state was not consulted on its structure, while the Palestinians have also pointed out the absence of their own representatives. (AMP)
