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In a major move, the European Union has put on hold the ratification process of the EU-US trade deal announced back in July 2025. The decision was announced today after the latest tariff threats by United States President Donald Trump on Denmark and other European Union countries over the sale of Greenland.
Vice-President of the European People’s Party, Siegfried Muresan, confirmed the halt in the EU-US deal through a post on a social media platform: “We were supposed to ratify the EU-US trade deal from last July very soon, reducing tariffs for imports from the US into the European Union to 0%. However, in light of recent developments, this ratification will have to wait a little longer in this new context.”
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Also, EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen warned that tariffs undermine “transatlantic relations” and “risk a dangerous downward spiral.” She wrote in a post on a social media platform, “Tariffs would undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral. Europe will remain united, coordinated, and committed to upholding its sovereignty.”
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According to reports, the European Union has convened an emergency meeting today to discuss the tariffs imposed by the United States.
Territorial integrity and sovereignty are fundamental principles of international law.
They are essential for Europe and for the international community as a whole.
We have consistently underlined our shared transatlantic interest in peace and security in the Arctic, including…
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) January 17, 2026
Yesterday, Trump warned to impose 10 per cent tariffs on Denmark and other EU countries from 01 February and escalate it to 25% from 01 June 2026, if they disagreed to sell Greenland to the US. Citing China’s and Russia’s interest in the territory, Trump said the tariff imposition is essential to ensure national security.
“Starting on February 1st, 2026, all of the above-mentioned countries (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland) will be charged a 10% Tariff on any and all goods sent to the United States of America. On June 1st, 2026, the Tariff will be increased to 25%. This Tariff will be due and payable until a deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland,” Trump posted.
EU reaffirms support for Denmark
Expressing absolute solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland, Ursula von der Leyen advocated for talks to address the contention between NATO allies.
She said, “The EU stands in full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland. Dialogue remains essential, and we are committed to building on the process begun already last week between the Kingdom of Denmark and the US.”
EU Chief asserted that territorial integrity and sovereignty are fundamental principles of international law, and remain essential for Europe and for the international community as well. She reaffirmed the European Union’s shared transatlantic interest in peace and security in the Arctic, including through NATO.
Ursula von der Leyen also clarified that the EU has deployed troops in Greenland recently as part of a pre-coordinated Danish exercise and “poses no threat to anyone.”
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