Von der Leyen meets members of US Congress over Greenland, transatlantic trade

With tensions rising between the European union and the United States over Greenland, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen held intensive discussions with a bipartisan delegation of the US Congress during a meeting in Davos, addressing President Donald Trump’s renewed threats to acquire the territory and the transatlantic trade.

In a post on X, von der Leyen underlined the importance of respecting the sovereignty of both Greenland and Denmark, calling it essential to strong transatlantic relations. She said that respect for Denmark and Greenland’s sovereignty is “of utmost importance” for cooperation between Europe and the United States.

Advertisement

“In Davos, I met with a bipartisan delegation from the United States Congress. We discussed our shared efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. This process benefits from strong EU-US coordination, from security guarantees to a pathway to prosperity,” von der Leyen wrote on the social platform X.

Von der Leyen also urged closer cooperation between the EU, the US, and NATO to address growing security challenges in Greenland and the wider Arctic region. She reiterated that the EU stands ready to work closely with Washington, NATO, and other allies, in partnership with Denmark, to advance shared security interests.

“I also addressed the need to unequivocally respect the sovereignty of Greenland and of the Kingdom of Denmark. This is of utmost importance to our transatlantic relationship. At the same time, the European union remains ready to continue working closely with the United States, NATO, and other allies, in close cooperation with Denmark, to advance our shared security interests.”

Trade was another key topic of discussion. Von der Leyen warned that tariffs undermine the shared economic interests of the EU and the US, stressing that transatlantic trade and investment are “a major asset” for both the economies.

“We also discussed transatlantic trade and investment. They are a major asset for both the EU and US economies. Tariffs run counter to these shared interests,” she said.

The meeting comes amid Trump’s renewed threats to impose tariffs on Denmark and other European countries unless they agree to sell Greenland. Trump has argued that acquiring the territory is necessary for US national security, citing increased interest from China and Russia. While offering negotiations, he warned that tariffs of 10 percent could be imposed from February 1, 2026, rising to 25 percent from June 1, 2026, if no agreement is reached. He claimed it was “time for Denmark to give back” after years of US support.

Earlier, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer criticised the idea of using tariffs against allies, calling it “completely wrong.” He stressed that Greenland belongs to its people and to Denmark, describing that right as fundamental.

Starmer also highlighted the growing strategic importance of Greenland as climate change reshapes the Arctic. With new sea routes opening and geopolitical competition intensifying, he said the High North will require greater focus, investment, and stronger collective defence.