Tensions between the United States and its European allies escalated further this week as French Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard warned that President Donald Trump’s threatened tariffs could have damaging consequences not just for Europe, but also for American farmers and industries. The comments came amid a dispute over Trump’s controversial push to acquire Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory of strategic importance in the Arctic.

Trump announced plans to impose a 10 % tariff from February 1 on goods imported into the U.S. from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland — rising to 25 % on June 1 if no agreement is reached on Greenland. He argued the tariffs would remain in place “until such time” as a full deal on Greenland is secured, citing U.S. national security needs.

Genevard stressed that escalation must be handled cautiously, as the tariff threat could damage not only EU exporters but also U.S. agricultural producers and industrial sectors that rely on stable transatlantic trade. She added that Europeans would not allow unilateral action to determine Greenland’s fate.

An emergency EU ambassadors’ meeting in Brussels reflects deep concern in Europe about potential economic fallout and diplomatic strain if trade retaliation broadens.