EU Holds Emergency Summit as Trump Suspends Tariffs Amid Greenland Tensions
BRUSSELS -- The European Union (EU) convened an emergency summit on the evening of Thursday, January 22, 2026, as tensions over Greenland prompted a temporary suspension of threatened tariffs by U.S. President Donald Trump on eight European countries. This development comes amid a broader effort to recalibrate transatlantic relations, with European observers noting that U.S. pressure has forced a reassessment of long-held assumptions about the traditional ally.
Washington’s Tactical Retreat and European Response
Following days of intense bargaining, tensions eased when the United States announced that a "framework deal" had been reached on Greenland-related issues, leading to the suspension of tariffs. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that Europe's countermeasures had proven effective, while European Council President Antonio Costa emphasized the EU's commitment to defending its interests against any form of coercion.
European analysts highlighted that the bloc adopted a firmer stance in negotiations. In response to initial U.S. actions, Europe deployed a symbolic military contingent to Greenland, and the European Parliament later voted to suspend the EU-US trade deal as a retaliatory move. Swedish Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch remarked that attempts to placate Trump through flattery, as seen in the past, would not be effective.
U.S. media reported that European countermeasures triggered significant market turmoil, with Politico noting that over US$1.2 trillion in value was wiped off the S&P 500 index. This market downturn may have prompted Washington to adjust its stance, echoing similar reversals on tariff policy following losses last year.
Persistent Warnings and Strategic Shifts
Despite the temporary easing, European leaders remain cautious. Trump has continued to press his bid to acquire Greenland, claiming the United States would gain "total access" to the Danish territory through the framework deal. Bernd Lange, chair of the European Parliament’s International Trade Committee, warned on social media platform X that "there is no room for false security. The next threat is sure to come." German Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil also cautioned against premature optimism.
Observers believe the shift in transatlantic relations is structural and irreversible, even as the Greenland dispute cools for now. Politico Europe noted that the EU emergency summit proceeded as planned, reflecting deep-seated European doubts about Washington. Few countries have joined the U.S.-proposed "Board of Peace," unveiled this week, with Costa expressing serious concerns about its scope, governance, and compatibility with the UN Charter.
Europe at a Crossroads: Pursuing Strategic Autonomy
From Trump's Greenland ambitions to his sharp criticism of Europe at the Davos forum, European media reported that the continent has realized the need for a strategic awakening. An anonymous European official told Politico that Trump's disdain for Europe has been consistent, urging the EU to pursue greater independence and abandon illusions about the United States.
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever described the EU as "at a crossroads," while von der Leyen called on Europe to seize the moment to build greater independence. Analysts noted that while Europe cannot abruptly sever ties with Washington, it will pursue strategic autonomy in a gradual and pragmatic manner.
Christine Nissen, chief analyst at Copenhagen-based think tank Europa, explained that Europe will move forward by:
- Building new trade partnerships
- Strengthening domestic production of critical goods and services
French President Emmanuel Macron warned that the EU must remain vigilant and ready to respond firmly to new threats, underscoring the ongoing challenges in transatlantic relations.
