Italian PM calls threatened U.S. tariffs over Greenland a ‘mistake’

By Admin

19 Jan, 2026

Introduction
Tensions between the United States and several European nations have intensified after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose sweeping trade tariffs linked to opposition over his proposed move to seize Greenland. Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has publicly criticized the move, calling it a “mistake” and urging diplomatic and multilateral solutions through NATO.

Background of the Tariff Threat
Donald Trump has warned of tariffs of up to 25% on all goods exported to the United States from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland. The threat comes in response to these countries objecting to his plan concerning Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark that holds strategic importance in the Arctic region.

Meloni’s Response and Diplomatic Outreach
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, January 18, 2026, during an official trip to Seoul, Giorgia Meloni said, “I believe that imposing new sanctions today would be a mistake.” She confirmed that she had spoken with Donald Trump just hours earlier to clearly convey Italy’s position. Meloni also stated that she discussed the issue with the NATO Secretary General, who confirmed that NATO has begun working on the matter.

Despite her criticism, Meloni sought to reduce tensions, suggesting that the situation stemmed from misunderstandings rather than deliberate confrontation. According to her, there has been “a problem of understanding and communication” between Europe and the United States regarding Greenland.

Role of NATO in the Greenland Issue
Meloni emphasized that NATO should take an active and central role in addressing the growing crisis. She described NATO as the appropriate platform to collectively organize deterrence against potentially hostile interference in a territory that is “clearly strategic.” She welcomed NATO’s involvement, calling it a positive and necessary initiative for maintaining stability in the Arctic region.

Concerns Over Transatlantic Misinterpretation
From Meloni’s perspective, messages from Europe may not have been clearly understood in Washington. She warned of the risk that actions by certain European countries were interpreted as anti-American, even though that was not their intention. She did not specify which initiatives may have caused the confusion but stressed that Europe’s stance was not meant to challenge the United States.

U.S. Position on Greenland
Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that the United States needs Greenland for national security reasons. The Arctic island’s strategic location, natural resources, and military significance continue to make it a focal point in global geopolitics, particularly as competition in the Arctic intensifies.

Conclusion
Italy’s response highlights growing concern within Europe over the use of economic pressure to resolve strategic disputes. By labeling the proposed tariffs a “mistake,” Giorgia Meloni has positioned Italy as a voice for dialogue, clarity, and multilateral cooperation. As NATO steps in to address the issue, the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether diplomacy can ease tensions or whether trade and geopolitical friction will continue to rise across the Atlantic.