Tuesday was the first day of the forum in Davos. The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, addressed the matter directly in a speech to attendees, emphasising that Europe is “fully committed” when it comes to the security of the Arctic.
However, she said that this could only be achieved together, and called Trump’s proposed additional tariffs “a mistake”.
The US president has said he will add a 10% tariff to “any and all goods” imported from eight European countries from 1 February if they opposed his proposed takeover of Greenland.
Von der Leyen added that the European Union stands in “full solidarity” with Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark – adding that their sovereignty is “non-negotiable”.
Her words were echoed by Canada’s Mark Carney, who said that his country’s commitment to Nato’s Article 5 – which states an armed attack against one or more members is considered an attack against all – is “unwavering”.
“We stand firmly with Greenland and Denmark and fully support their unique right to determine Greenland’s future,” Carney said.
In Macron’s remarks, he said he preferred “respect to bullies” and the “rule of law to brutality”.
Earlier on Tuesday, Trump threatened a 200% tariff on French wine and champagne after Macron reportedly declined an invitation to join the Gaza “Board of Peace”.
The French president condemned the “endless accumulation of new tariffs” as “fundamentally unacceptable”, particularly when used as leverage against territorial sovereignty.
Macron is among those urging the EU to consider retaliatory options against US tariffs, including the anti-coercion instrument, nicknamed a “trade bazooka”.
Sources close to the international trade committee have said that the European Parliament is planning to suspend approval of the US trade deal agreed in July, in a move that would mark another escalation in tensions between the US and Europe.