10% to 25%: EU Warns Trump’s Tariff Threat Might Cause Escalation Spiral

Highlighting the jump from 10% to 25%, the EU warns Trump’s tariff threat might cause an escalation spiral. As the calendar turns toward February, the countdown has begun. European leaders have called an emergency meeting for Sunday after President Trump threatened tariffs on EU nations to secure the purchase of Greenland.
EU Presidents von der Leyen and Costa issued a joint statement highlighting the risks of a “dangerous downward spiral.” They asserted that the European Union stands firm in its unity and commitment to sovereignty. The leaders made it clear that tariffs should not be used as leverage in territorial disputes.
The threat is imminent. Trump announced that starting February 1, a 10% tariff would be levied on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland. He warned that this would increase to 25% on June 1 if the US does not acquire Greenland.
Beyond the economic issues, the EU addressed the geopolitical context of the Arctic. Leaders defended recent Danish military exercises as necessary steps to strengthen regional security. They emphasized that these activities were pre-coordinated and pose no threat to the United States.
Reaffirming their support for Denmark, the EU leadership noted that dialogue between Copenhagen and Washington is already underway. However, they stressed that the bloc will remain coordinated in its defense. The emergency meeting on Sunday will focus on maintaining a united front.