EU convenes emergency summit over Trump's statements on Greenland
Photo: Donald Trump, President of the United States (Getty Images)
European Union countries are preparing for urgent high-level consultations following sharp statements from the United States that touch on issues of territorial integrity, security, and trade relations between allies, according to a publication by Politico.
Emergency EU consultations over US statements
Leaders of all 27 European Union member states are set to hold an extraordinary meeting in the coming days to respond to threats voiced by US President Donald Trump.
The discussions will focus on remarks concerning a possible annexation of Greenland, as well as plans to impose trade tariffs on certain European countries.
Preparations for the summit were announced late on Sunday, January 18, following an emergency meeting of EU ambassadors in Brussels. Diplomats discussed Trump’s statements about purchasing Greenland and the use of economic measures against countries opposing such a move.
EU position on Greenland
President of the European Council António Costa confirmed the decision to convene the extraordinary meeting and outlined the EU’s key principles.
These include unity in upholding international law, respect for territorial integrity and national sovereignty, and solidarity with Denmark and Greenland. The EU also underscored a shared transatlantic interest in maintaining peace and security in the Arctic, including cooperation within NATO.
EU officials have additionally warned that the introduction of tariffs would undermine relations with the United States and contradict existing trade agreements.
Timing and format of the summit
According to EU sources, the leaders’ summit is scheduled for Thursday, January 22. The meeting is expected to take place in person, requiring the physical presence of heads of state and government rather than a video conference.
Earlier, Trump said he intended to impose 10% tariffs on a number of European countries, including the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, accusing them of supporting Greenland. In response, key European leaders issued statements expressing solidarity and readiness to defend sovereignty.
