The European Union has suspended work on a proposed customs agreement with the United States amid escalating tensions over former US President Donald Trump’s renewed statements regarding Greenland, European media reported on Wednesday.
According to Deutsche Welle (DW), the European Parliament decided to put the trade agreement on hold, citing concerns that the deal was overly favorable to Washington. The agreement had previously been negotiated following US tariff threats against European products.
The move comes as Trump sought to ease European concerns by stating that he would not use force to take control of Greenland, a Danish autonomous territory.
Speaking during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump said that a “framework for a future deal” regarding Greenland had been formed following discussions with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the proposed framework, if finalized, would benefit both the United States and NATO allies.
He also indicated that he would refrain from imposing tariffs on key European partners, including Germany, despite their opposition to his Greenland initiative.
Meanwhile, Rutte underscored the strategic importance of the Arctic region, stressing the need to protect it from growing Russian and Chinese influence.
Trump’s comments and the EU’s decision to freeze the trade agreement highlight growing strains in transatlantic relations, as European governments express concern over US intentions toward Greenland and broader implications for international law and regional stability.
