Transatlantic ties fray as U.S., Europe clash over Greenland dispute

Monday 26 January 2026 - 16:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Transatlantic ties fray as U.S., Europe clash over Greenland dispute

The former president of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, has issued a grim warning about the state of transatlantic relations, describing them as the weakest since NATO’s founding in 1949. Barroso attributed this breakdown to U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial push to acquire Greenland, a move that has shaken the longstanding alliance, eroding decades of trust and cooperation.

In an interview on CNBC’s "The China Connection," Barroso criticized the transformation of the U.S.-Europe relationship into a transactional dynamic driven by self-interest. He labeled Trump as a "grand disruptor" in global affairs, highlighting his tendency to treat allies more harshly than adversaries. This approach, Barroso noted, has left European leaders questioning the United States’ reliability as a cornerstone of their security and economic partnerships.

The crisis intensified last week when Trump issued an ultimatum threatening 10% tariffs on eight European nations, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland, unless they agreed to the "complete and total purchase of Greenland." Trump warned that the tariffs would rise to 25% by June 1 if his demands were not met, framing the acquisition as essential for maintaining alliance unity.

European leaders responded with a rare show of solidarity, denouncing Trump’s demands as "blackmail" and a violation of international norms. French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the ultimatum as a blatant attempt to "weaken and subjugate Europe," emphasizing the need for mutual respect in international relations. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez echoed this sentiment, accusing the U.S. of provoking unprecedented tension in its relationship with the European Union and disregarding international law.

Amid mounting backlash, Trump reversed course during the Davos forum on January 21, withdrawing the tariff threats and ruling out military action after discussions with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. While Trump announced a "framework of a future agreement" regarding Greenland, details remain unclear, prompting speculation about whether this marks a genuine de-escalation or a strategic pause in the dispute.