The United Kingdom, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, Netherlands, and Finland today released a joint declaration, expressing full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland. The statement follows US President Donald Trump's threat to impose tariffs on these nations due to the ongoing dispute over Greenland.

"We stand in full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland. Building on the process established last week, we are ready to engage in dialogue based on the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity that we firmly uphold," the eight nations stated. This declaration emphasizes a unified front against external pressures regarding Greenland's status.

As members of NATO, these nations also pledged to enhance Arctic security for the alliance's common benefit. They stressed that the "Arctic Endurance" exercise, conducted by Denmark and its NATO allies, was pre-planned to meet these needs and poses no threat to anyone.

The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (left), the President of France (center), and the Chancellor of Germany at the G20 summit in South Africa in 11/2025. Photo: *AFP*

The joint document further warned, "Threats of tariffs will weaken transatlantic relations, risking a dangerous downward spiral. We will remain united and coordinate closely in our response, while committing to protect our sovereignty." This highlights concerns over the potential broader impact of US actions on international relations.

The joint statement followed Mr. Trump's threat to impose a 10% tariff on all goods imported from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Netherlands, and Finland. This tariff would take effect from 1/2 and increase to 25% by early June.

Mr. Trump declared the measure would remain until the US achieved a "complete and full" agreement to acquire Greenland. The US President recently asserted a need to control Greenland, an autonomous island belonging to Denmark, while also hinting at the possibility of using force to achieve this goal, despite opposition from Copenhagen and many European nations.

Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Netherlands, and Finland announced the deployment of troops to Greenland for a reconnaissance mission in Nuuk, Greenland's capital, as part of the "Arctic Endurance" exercise with NATO allies. Meanwhile, the White House declared that European forces in Greenland could not prevent the US from executing its plan to control the territory.

The location of Greenland. Graphic: *BBC*

Greenland, the world's largest island, is located near North America, between the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. It has a population of 57,000 people and an area of approximately 2.16 million square kilometers, making it larger than Mexico and over three times the size of the US state of Texas. Strategically important to Washington, Greenland lies on the shortest route from North America to Europe. It possesses abundant mineral resources, most of which remain untapped.

Pham Giang (*Reuters*)