'No intimidation or threat can influence us,' says Macron after US tariff threats over Greenland

By Ilayda Cakirtekin

ISTANBUL (AA) - French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday reaffirmed that "no intimidation or threat" could influence them following US President Donald Trump's announcement to impose new tariffs on eight European countries over the Greenland dispute.

"No intimidation or threat will influence us—neither in Ukraine, nor in Greenland, nor anywhere else in the world when we are confronted with such situations," Macron wrote on US social media platform X.

Reiterating France's commitment to the sovereignty and independence of nations, he noted that they had decided to take part in the exercise organized by Denmark in Greenland on this basis. "We fully assume this decision, because security in the Arctic and at the outer edges of our Europe is at stake."

"Tariff threats are unacceptable and have no place in this context. Europeans will respond in a united and coordinated manner should they be confirmed. We will ensure that European sovereignty is upheld. It is in this spirit that I will engage with our European partners," Macron added.

Trump said Saturday that Washington will impose new tariffs on goods from eight European countries starting on Feb. 1, with rates rising sharply in June, citing "national security" concerns linked to Greenland.

In a post on his social media company Truth Social, Trump said imports from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, Britain, the Netherlands, and Finland would face a 10% tariff starting next month, increasing to 25% on June 1.

He said the measures would remain in place until a deal is reached for the “complete and total purchase of Greenland.” Trump has long asserted the US intention to take over Greenland from Denmark, arguing that Washington requires the autonomous Arctic territory in the interest of "national security."