Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen declares that “Europe will not be coerced” by Donald Trump’s threats regarding tariffs over Greenland.

Together with other European leaders, she released a joint statement on Sunday warning that the strategy could lead to a “dangerous downward spiral” in relations with the US.

Early Monday, Trump remarked, “For 20 years, NATO has been urging Denmark that ‘you must address the Russian threat near Greenland.’ […] Now it is time, and it will be executed!!!”

The US president has indicated he will levy new tariffs on eight US allies in February if they resist his proposed acquisition of the self-governing Danish territory.

Trump argues that Greenland is vital for US security and has not dismissed the option of using force – a proposal that has sparked significant backlash.

In a message on Truth Social early Monday, Trump stated that NATO has been advising Denmark to “remove the Russian threat from Greenland” for two decades. Denmark, he maintained, “has failed to act”.

The new tariffs would target Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the UK.

In their collective statement, the eight nations mentioned that “tariff threats undermine transatlantic relations,” emphasizing their “full support for the Kingdom of Denmark and the populace of Greenland”.

The nations assured their “dedication to enhancing Arctic security as a common transatlantic priority” as NATO alliance members.

“We are poised to begin discussions founded on the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity that we firmly uphold,” the statement asserted.

Additionally, Frederiksen posted on Facebook: “We aim for cooperation and do not seek conflict. I appreciate the unwavering messages from the rest of Europe: Europe will not be coerced.”

“It’s even more crucial for us to remain steadfast to the fundamental values that established the European community.”

In the meantime, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer reported having conversations on Sunday with Frederiksen, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte before communicating with Trump.

A representative from Starmer’s office stated he reiterated his standpoint that Greenland’s security is essential for all NATO allies. “He also mentioned that imposing tariffs on allies for ensuring collective security is inappropriate,” the spokeswoman noted.

Trump has warned of a potential 10% tax on products from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland, set to take effect on February 1, with a possibility of an increase to 25% if no agreement is reached.

“These nations that are engaging in this extremely hazardous game have introduced a level of risk that is neither acceptable nor sustainable,” he said, adding: “This is a very perilous situation for the Safety, Security, and Survival of our Planet”.

The US president maintains that Greenland is crucial for American security and has previously stated that the US would obtain the territory “the easy way” or “the hard way”.

Greenland, though sparsely populated, is resource-abundant and strategically positioned between North America and the Arctic for early warning systems in potential missile strikes and for monitoring maritime activities in the area.

On Sunday, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent discussed on NBC News’ Meet the Press that “Greenland can be safeguarded only if it is part of the US, and it will not require defense if it is incorporated into the US”.

“I am confident that the Europeans will recognize that this benefits Greenland, Europe, and the United States,” he remarked.

In an interview with BBC Newshour, Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide stressed that mutual respect for sovereignty constitutes the “non-negotiable” core principle of international law and collaboration.

“If we are to coexist peacefully and tackle common challenges, we must start with the mutual acknowledgment of each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” she emphasized.

It remains uncertain how the upcoming tariffs will interact with those already enacted by Trump against the UK and EU. French President Emmanuel Macron, who is striving to coordinate the European reaction to the tariff threats, announced he will request the EU to activate its “anti-coercion instrument” should Trump implement them.

The US president is scheduled to address the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Wednesday, focusing on the theme “how can we collaborate in a more contested world?” Macron, along with the leaders of Germany and the EU, will also participate in the annual forum.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who will be attending, expressed that his nation is “troubled by the recent escalation” and is “significantly boosting Arctic security — enhancing our military and investing in essential infrastructure”.

“Canada firmly believes that the optimal way to ensure Arctic security is through cooperation within NATO,” he stated on X.

Mark Rutte likewise noted that he had spoken to Trump “regarding the security circumstances in Greenland and the Arctic”.

“We will persist in our efforts, and I anticipate engaging with him in Davos later this week,” he concluded.

Public outrage in both Denmark and Greenland regarding Trump’s threats over Greenland seems unaffected. Protests against Trump’s acquisition plans occurred in Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, on Saturday – ahead of the tariff announcement – as well as across Danish cities.

These demonstrations coincided with a visit to Copenhagen by a delegation from the US Congress. Its leader, Democratic Senator Chris Coons, criticized Mr. Trump’s remarks as “not helpful”.

The island’s representative in the US stated that during the last inquiry in January 2025, only 6% of Greenlanders expressed support for joining the US, while 85% opposed it.

A recent survey indicates that a majority of Americans also reject US control over Greenland. A Reuters/Ipsos poll released last Wednesday revealed that just 17% of Americans back the US taking over Greenland, whereas 47% oppose Trump’s pursuit to acquire the island.

A minimum of 21 individuals have lost their lives in a train accident in southern Spain, with numerous others injured, as officials cautioned that fatalities may rise in what is Spain’s worst railway disaster in over ten years.

Carriages on a train heading to Madrid derailed and crossed to the opposite tracks, crashing into an oncoming train in Adamuz, close to Córdoba.

Both trains had around 400 passengers and crew onboard, the rail operators reported. At least 24 individuals sustained severe injuries in the crash, including four minors, as per Andalusia’s emergency services.

Óscar Puente, Spain’s Transport Minister, characterized the circumstance as “highly unusual” as authorities commenced an inquiry.

All railway experts engaged by the government “are profoundly astonished by the incident,” Puente informed reporters in Madrid.

The rail network provider Adif noted that the crash occurred roughly ten minutes after the train departed Málaga at 18:40 local time (17:40 GMT) en route to Madrid, derailing on a straight section of track.

The impact of the collision shoved the carriages of the second train into an embankment, Puente stated. He further mentioned that most of the deceased and injured were in the front carriages of the second train, which was traveling from Madrid to Huelva.

The train type involved in the incident was a Freccia 1000, capable of reaching maximum speeds of 400 km/h (250 mph), according to a representative for the Italian rail firm Ferrovie dello Stato speaking to Reuters.

Rescue personnel indicated that the mangled wreckage of the trains complicated the recovery of those trapped within the carriages.

Córdoba fire chief Francisco Carmona mentioned to the Spanish public broadcaster RTVE: “We even had to remove a deceased individual to access someone alive. It is challenging, intricate work.”

Salvador Jimenez, a journalist from RTVE who was on one of the trains, stated that the impact felt like an “earthquake”.

“I was in the first carriage. There was a moment when it felt like an earthquake and the train had indeed derailed,” Jimenez recounted.

Video footage from the site appears to indicate that some train carriages had toppled on their sides. Rescue teams can be observed climbing the train to extract individuals through the skewed train doors and windows.

A passenger heading to Madrid, José, informed public broadcaster Canal Sur “There were people and screaming, calling for medical help.”

All rail services connecting Madrid and Andalusia have been suspended following the incident and are anticipated to remain closed throughout Monday.

Iryo, a private railway company that managed the trip from Málaga, indicated that approximately 300 passengers were onboard the train that initially derailed, while the other train – run by the state-owned firm Renfe – had about 100 passengers.

The exact cause is yet unknown. An inquiry is expected to take at least a month to ascertain what occurred, based on the transport minister’s statements.

Pedro Sánchez, Spain’s Prime Minister, remarked that the nation would experience a “night of profound sorrow”.

Rafael Moreno, the mayor of Adamuz, was among the first responders, narrating the scene as “a nightmare”.

King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia expressed their concern over the tragedy, stating they have been closely monitoring news related to the disaster.

“We extend our most heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased, as well as our wishes for a swift recovery to those injured,” announced the royal palace on X.

The emergency services in the Andalusia region asked any survivors of the crash to contact their relatives or post on social media to confirm their safety.

Medical stations have been established for affected passengers to receive treatment for their injuries and be transferred to hospitals. Adif has arranged areas for the victims’ relatives at Atocha, Seville, Córdoba, Málaga, and Huelva stations.

The Spanish Red Cross has mobilized emergency response teams to the site, while also providing counseling to nearby families.

Miguel Ángel Rodríguez from the Red Cross informed RNE radio: “The families are experiencing significant anxiety due to insufficient information. These are very troubling times.”

Emmanuel Macron, President of France, Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of Italy, and Ursula von der Leyen, head of the European Commission, have all issued statements extending condolences.

“My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the entire nation of Spain. France is by your side,” Macron posted on social media.

In 2013, Spain experienced its most catastrophic high-speed train derailment in Galicia, located in north-western Spain, which resulted in 80 fatalities and 140 injuries.

Spain’s high-speed rail network is the second largest globally, following China, linking over 50 cities throughout the nation. Data from Adif indicates the Spanish rail system spans more than 4,000 km (2,485 miles).

A warning from US President Donald Trump regarding new tariffs on eight allied nations against his suggested acquisition of Greenland has sparked outrage among European leaders.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer criticized the action as “entirely inappropriate,” while French President Emmanuel Macron deemed it “unacceptable”.

These remarks were made after Trump revealed a 10% tariff on items from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland to start on 1 February, potentially escalating to 25% and remaining until an agreement is reached.

Trump maintains that the self-governing Danish territory is vital for US security and has not dismissed taking it forcibly.

In response to Trump’s threats, the European Union convened an urgent meeting for 17:00 in Brussels (16:00 GMT) on Sunday. This meeting will include ambassadors from the 27 EU nations, as reported by Reuters news agency.

Meanwhile, thousands protested in Greenland and Denmark on Saturday against the US’s proposed acquisition.

Greenland is thinly populated yet resource-rich, and its positioning between North America and the Arctic makes it ideal for missile attack early warning systems and vessel monitoring in the area.

Trump has stated previously that Washington would acquire the territory “the easy way” or “the hard way”.

European nations have come together to support Denmark. They argue that the security of the Arctic is a collective responsibility within NATO.

France, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Finland, the Netherlands, and the UK have sent a limited number of troops to Greenland on what has been termed a reconnaissance mission.

In announcing the new tariffs via his Truth Social platform on Saturday, Trump indicated that these nations were engaging in “a very perilous game.” He claimed that the stakes involved the “Safety, Security, and Survival of our Planet”.

He stated that the 10% tariff to be implemented next month on products exported to the US would increase to 25% by June and be “payable until a Deal is finalized for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland”.

In response, Starmer remarked: “Imposing tariffs on allies for upholding NATO collective security is entirely incorrect. We will certainly address this directly with the US administration.”

UK opposition figures also condemned Trump’s announcement. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch labelled the tariffs a “terrible idea,” while Reform UK leader Nigel Farage warned they “will be detrimental to us”.

Emmanuel Macron of France stated: “Tariff threats are intolerable in this context… We will not be deterred by any intimidation.”

Swedish PM Ulf Kristersson expressed: “We won’t allow ourselves to be blackmailed.”

“Sweden is currently engaged in intensive discussions with other EU nations, Norway, and the UK to devise a unified response,” he added.

In a message on X, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen affirmed: “Territorial integrity and sovereignty are fundamental tenets of international law.”

“Tariffs would undermine transatlantic relations and trigger a hazardous downward spiral,” she further stated.

Meanwhile, Kaja Kallas, the EU foreign policy chief, commented that “China and Russia must be thrilled” by Trump’s declaration.

“They are the ones profiting from the rifts among Allies,” she wrote on X.

European Council President Antonio Costa emphasized: “The European Union will always staunchly defend international law… which fundamentally begins within the territory of EU member states.”

Denmark’s foreign minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen stated the threat had “come as a shock”.

Additionally, German MEP Manfred Weber, the head of the conservative EPP group in the European Parliament, remarked that Trump’s action raised doubts about the pending EU-US trade agreement negotiated last year.

Brussels and Washington reached an agreement that set a US tariff of 15% on all EU goods and that the 27-member bloc would open its markets to US exporters with 0% tariffs on select products.

“The EPP supports the EU-US trade deal, but in light of Donald Trump’s threats regarding Greenland, ratification is currently unfeasible,” Weber posted on X. “The 0% tariffs on US goods must be halted,” he added.

The US UN ambassador, Mike Waltz, however, stated that Denmark “simply lacks the resources or capacity to address the necessities in the northern region”.

He mentioned to Fox News that Greenlanders’ lives would be “safer, stronger, and more prosperous” under the United States’ jurisdiction.

Trump has frequently indicated that “tariff” is his preferred term, and he has made it clear that he considers it a blunt instrument designed to persuade – or force – nations globally to adopt policies aligned with the White House’s objectives.

Nonetheless, his recent announcement reflects a notable intensification in his long-standing ambition to obtain Greenland, despite the opposition it faces.

It remains unclear what exactly triggered the tariffs announcement, which Trump initially hinted at during a press conference at the White House on Friday.

In recent weeks, he has repeatedly suggested that various options – including possible military action – remain viable, although the announcement follows a decision by US and Danish officials to establish a high-level working group to discuss the island’s future.

Within Washington’s diplomatic and political spheres, that declaration was interpreted by many as a “best-case” scenario for Denmark and its European allies – one that would, at minimum, delay any decisions or further escalation from the White House.

Instead, the newly introduced tariffs have injected a heightened sense of urgency into the situation, straining ties with significant NATO allies and trading partners.

Gregory Meeks, the leading Democrat on the US House Foreign Affairs Committee, stated he would “submit a resolution to immediately repeal these unlawful and ridiculous tariffs”.

He commented: “Trump is creating a foreign crisis and undermining our closest alliance – all while disregarding the genuine crisis the American public truly cares about: affordability.”

Polls indicate that 85% of Greenlanders are against the territory becoming part of the US.

Protests against Trump’s acquisition plans were held in Danish cities as well as in Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, on Saturday – prior to the tariff announcement.

In Copenhagen, placards displayed messages such as: “Hands Off Greenland” and “Greenland for Greenlanders”.

“We demand acknowledgment for the Danish Realm and for Greenland’s self-determination rights,” stated Camilla Siezing, leader of Inuit, an umbrella organization of Greenlandic groups.

In Nuuk, Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen joined demonstrators holding banners that read “Greenland is not for sale” and “we design our future” as they made their way to the US consulate.

The demonstrations coincided with a visit to Copenhagen by a delegation from the US Congress. Its head, Democratic Senator Chris Coons, referred to Trump’s language as “not constructive”.

Nasa’s colossal rocket has successfully reached the launch pad at Cape Canaveral, Florida, initiating the concluding preparations for the first crewed Moon mission in over half a century.

The 98m-high Space Launch System was transported vertically over nearly 12 hours, making its way from the Vehicle Assembly Building over a distance of 4 miles (6.5km) to the launch pad.

With its placement now finalized, the team will conduct final tests, inspections, and a dress rehearsal before approving the 10-day Artemis II mission, which will feature four astronauts orbiting the Moon.

According to Nasa, the earliest opportunity for launch is 6 February, with additional launch windows available later that month, along with options in March and April.

The rocket’s movement began at 07:04 local time (12:04 GMT) and it arrived at Launch Pad 39B located at the Kennedy Space Center by 18:41 local time (23:42 GMT).

It was transported by a large machine known as a crawler-transporter, moving at a maximum speed of 0.82 mph (1.3 km/h) during its slow journey. Live broadcasts documented the gradual event.

Nasa indicated that the rocket will undergo preparation in the upcoming days for what they refer to as a “wet dress rehearsal”—a test focusing on fuel operations and countdown protocols.

The Artemis II crew—Nasa’s Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, along with Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen—were present at the Kennedy Space Center observing the rocket’s movement.

In a matter of weeks, these four astronauts will be secured in a spacecraft positioned atop the rocket, poised for departure to the Moon.

This mission marks the first crewed journey to the Moon since Apollo 17 landed there in December 1972.

Nasa has stated that this mission could enable its astronauts to explore further into space than any human has ventured before.

Though Artemis II is not set to land on the Moon, it will pave the way for a future lunar landing that will be led by the Artemis III mission.

Nasa mentioned that the launch of Artemis III is planned for “no earlier than” 2027, with experts speculating that 2028 may be the soonest date.

Koch expressed her exhilaration at witnessing the rocket.

“Astronauts are the most composed individuals on launch day, and I think… it feels this way because we are simply so prepared to accomplish the mission we are here for, that we have trained for,” she remarked.

Hansen conveyed his hope that the mission would motivate the global community.

“The Moon is something I have taken for granted. I’ve gazed at it my entire life, but then you tend to just glance at it and move on,” he mentioned.

“However, I find myself observing it much more now, and I believe others will join us in gazing at the Moon more frequently as humans will be flying around the far side, which is beneficial for humanity.”

The first two days of the Artemis II mission will be spent orbiting the Earth before making its way to the Moon.

“We’re going to enter an orbit almost immediately that takes us 40,000 miles out—about a fifth of the way to the Moon,” Koch told BBC News.

“The Earth will be visible through the window as a single spherical object, a view none of us have experienced from that angle.

“Then we will journey a quarter of a million miles away… we will conduct ample science and operations throughout the trip.”

While passing around the far side of the Moon, the crew will dedicate three hours to lunar observation—looking, taking images, and examining its geology to assist in planning and preparing for a future landing at the Moon’s south pole.

An essential component of the Orion spacecraft that the astronauts will use was produced in Bremen, Germany.

The European Service Module, which is located behind the crew capsule, represents the European Space Agency’s contribution to the mission and has been constructed by Airbus.

“The European Service Module is crucial; we essentially can’t reach the Moon without it,” states Sian Cleaver, a spacecraft engineer at Airbus.

“It supplies the propulsion needed for Orion to get us to the Moon.”

Its extensive solar panels will generate all the electrical energy required for the craft, she notes.

“We’ve also integrated significant tanks filled with oxygen and nitrogen, which are blended to produce air, along with water, in order to provide everything the astronauts need in the crew module to sustain them during their journey.”

Within their cleanroom, the engineering team is diligently assembling additional modules for prospective Artemis missions. Each module requires approximately 18 months to construct, having demanded extensive engineering hours for design. Every component onboard must function flawlessly.

“We need to ensure the astronauts safely reach the Moon and return,” states Cleaver.

With the rocket now situated on launchpad 39B, the Artemis team is working tirelessly to prepare it for takeoff.

The mission has already encountered several years of postponements, and Nasa is under considerable pressure to send the astronauts on their journey promptly. Nevertheless, the US space agency has emphasized that it will not compromise on safety.

John Honeycutt, the head of the Artemis mission management team, remarked: “My sole responsibility is the safe return of Reid, Victor, Christina, and Jeremy.

“We will launch when we are ready… the safety of the crew is our top priority.”