European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen criticized U.S. President Donald Trump's planned tariffs on goods from several European nations, questioning his trustworthiness and emphasizing the importance of agreements between allies. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Tuesday, von der Leyen responded to Trump's announcement of a 10% import tax on goods from eight European nations supporting Denmark following Trump's suggestions that the U.S. acquire Greenland.

Von der Leyen stated that the European Union and the United States reached a trade agreement last July. "And in politics as in business a deal is a deal. And when friends shake hands, it must mean something," she said, underscoring the significance of trust and reliability in international relations. She further emphasized the alliance between the U.S. and the EU, stating, "We consider the people of the United States not just our allies, but our friends. And plunging us into a downward spiral would only aid the very adversaries we are both so committed to keeping out of the strategic landscape."

The proposed tariffs stem from Trump's interest in Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark. His repeated suggestions that the U.S. purchase Greenland were met with resistance from Danish officials, leading to escalating tensions. The EU's support for Denmark in this matter appears to be a contributing factor to Trump's decision to impose the tariffs.

French President Emmanuel Macron also weighed in on the situation, suggesting that the EU should consider retaliatory measures. While he did not specify what those measures might be, his statement indicates a willingness to defend the EU's interests in the face of what it perceives as unfair trade practices.

The EU's response to the tariffs highlights the ongoing trade disputes between the United States and its allies. These disputes have raised concerns about the stability of the global trading system and the potential for further economic disruption. The situation remains fluid, and the EU is expected to announce its official response to the tariffs in the coming days. The next steps will likely involve diplomatic discussions aimed at resolving the dispute and preventing further escalation.