BRUSSELS — European Union leaders arrived in Brussels on Thursday evening for an extraordinary summit, breathing a collective sigh of relief after U.S. President Donald Trump abruptly withdrew his threat of additional tariffs on eight European nations. However, despite the de-escalation regarding the “Greenland row,” the incident has once again exposed the fragility of traditional diplomacy and the volatility of transatlantic relations.
While the immediate economic threat has dissipated, the summit’s agenda remains dominated by the need to “draw lessons” from a week of intense diplomatic friction. Leaders are set to discuss a unified strategy for handling the U.S. administration, alongside critical issues regarding the war in Ukraine and the proposed “Gaza Board of Peace.”
The “Greenland Row” and U-Turn
The diplomatic firestorm began earlier this week when President Trump threatened tariffs to pressure Denmark—a NATO ally—into ceding control over Greenland. Trump had insisted he wanted to secure the island, “including right, title and ownership,” though he maintained force would not be used.
In a dramatic reversal on Wednesday evening, Trump reneged on the threat, scrapping the proposed levies. While this move de-escalated immediate tensions, the underlying sentiment in Brussels is one of caution. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the U.S. President’s willingness to upend established alliances to achieve his goals.
Danish PM: “No Negotiation About Sovereignty”
Speaking in Copenhagen on Thursday, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen was firm in her stance regarding the territory.
“There has been no negotiation with NATO yesterday about our sovereignty,” Frederiksen stated in an interview.
While acknowledging that Denmark is “ready to do more” regarding security, Frederiksen emphasized that cooperation must occur within the framework of the alliance. “It is better for the U.S., Denmark and other NATO members that we work together as allies, that we look after our common security interests together,” she said.
Frederiksen also addressed the need for increased defense spending, noting, “There is no doubt that we in NATO need to rearm… we must also do it on the northern flank, but it has to be within the rules of democracy.”
Calls for Solidarity and Security
Ahead of the evening summit, António Costa, President of the European Council, held a bilateral meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Both leaders underscored the necessity of European unity in the face of unpredictable U.S. foreign policy.
“As European NATO allies, we must do more to secure the High North. This is a common transatlantic interest,” Chancellor Merz said, expressing solidarity with Copenhagen. “Denmark and the people of Greenland can count on solidarity.”
Zelenskyy Critiques European Hesitation
The summit also takes place against the backdrop of a sobering assessment from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Delivering a speech in Davos earlier in the day, Zelenskyy argued that the confusion over Greenland highlights a persistent security weakness within Europe.
“Everyone turned their attention to Greenland, and it is clear most leaders are not sure what to do about it,” Zelenskyy observed.
“It seems like everyone is just waiting for America to cool down on this topic, hoping it will pass away. But what if it will not – what then?”
A Divided Agenda: Gaza and Ukraine
Beyond the U.S. relationship, the summit aims to address other pressing geopolitical files. Leaders are expected to discuss continued support for Ukraine, as well as President Trump’s “Gaza Board of Peace” proposal.
Achieving a consensus on the Gaza proposal may prove difficult. Reports indicate a split within the bloc, with France, Italy, and Sweden already signaling they will not participate in the initiative, further complicating the EU’s attempt to present a united front on the global stage.
