Bessent urges Europe to take Trump “seriously” amid tensions over Greenland

The Secretary of the Treasury of the United States, Scott Bessent, stated this Monday (19) that a possible European retaliation to the measures adopted by Washington in the dispute involving Greenland would be a “very reckless” attitude. The statement was made to journalists before his participation in the World Economic Forum, in Davos, Switzerland.

Asked about the possibility of European countries reacting with trade measures to the actions announced by the American government, Bessent responded directly. “I think it would be very reckless,” he said. According to him, European governments must take seriously President Donald Trump’s intentions regarding Greenland, an issue that has raised tension between North Atlantic allies.

Bessent stated that he has not had recent contacts with European authorities, but highlighted that he spoke with Trump and that negotiations are ongoing. “I have been traveling, so I have not been in contact (with European officials), but I have spoken with President Trump and obviously there are a lot of negotiations going on, and I think everyone should take him seriously,” he declared.

On Saturday (17), Trump announced the imposition of a 10% tariff on countries that sent troops to Greenland for Operation Arctic Endurance military exercises, amid the escalation of statements by the American president about the possibility of annexing the island. According to Trump, the tariff will come into effect on February 1st and will be increased to 25% from June.

The measure affects Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland, all members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The American president stated that the collection of tariffs will remain until an agreement is signed that allows the United States to fully purchase Greenland.

In response, the European Union is evaluating the adoption of countermeasures. According to a diplomat interviewed by Reuters on Sunday (18), a package of retaliatory tariffs worth 93 billion euros could come into force automatically on February 6 if there is no agreement with Washington.