The European Union convened an emergency meeting on Thursday concerning Greenland, with leaders staying wary of the U.S. threats despite President Donald Trump's recent announcements of ruling out military force to acquire the Arctic territory and withdrawing tariff threats against eight European nations.
Speaking at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland on Wednesday, Trump said he would not use "excessive strength and force" to take Greenland, while insisting the United States was uniquely positioned to secure the territory.
Trump also announced his decision not to follow through on his threat to impose new tariffs on eight European countries over Greenland following a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
In a social media post, Trump said a framework had emerged from a "very productive meeting" with Rutte.
"Based upon this understanding, I will not be imposing the Tariffs that were scheduled to go into effect on Feb. 1," Trump wrote.
Despite the shifts, EU leaders had emphasized ahead of their emergency meeting that there is no guarantee that Trump will not change ideas again.
They also noted that Trump's ambition to acquire Greenland has triggered irreparable damage to the relations between Europe and the United State.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said that the transatlantic relationship suffered a severe setback over the past week.
Over the past year, Europe has come to recognize that its relationship with the United States is different from before, and they must be prepared to face more unpredictable factors, Kallas said.
Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed full support for Denmark, noting that France remains highly vigilant and prepared to take measures if threatened again.
Furthermore, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson stressed that the recent dispute has eroded the trust between European countries and the United States.
He expressed the hope that both sides can get back to serious discussions.
EU leaders stay wary of US threats despite Trump's shifts on Greenland, tariffs
