The ETUC expresses, along with its Nordic affiliates, its full support for the National Confederation of Trade Unions of Greenland (SIK) and for the people of Greenland. Greenland is an integral part of the Nordic community, and its people have an unquestionable right to determine their own future. This includes the fundamental right to live in safety, free from external pressure or threats.
The ETUC also expresses its full solidarity with Denmark and Greenland in the face of unacceptable political and economic pressure from US President Donald Trump. Any attempt to coerce Europe through threats, intimidation or trade measures is a direct challenge to sovereignty, democracy and the rules-based international order. Borders, sovereignty and self-determination are not bargaining chips, but core principles of international law that Europe must firmly defend.
Trade policy must never be weaponised to undermine democratic choices or territorial integrity. Such behaviour erodes trust, destabilises international relations and ultimately harms workers on both sides of the Atlantic. Coming on top of the substantial tariff increases imposed last years, further increases such as those tabled by the US President, will hit production and jobs.
In this context, the ETUC calls on the European institutions to respond with clarity, unity and resolve. The European Parliament must put the adoption of the EU–US agreement on hold. It is not possible to proceed as normal while coercive pressure is being applied. Respect for partners and for international rules must be a precondition for maintaining and deepening trade relations.
The ETUC further calls on the Council to stand ready to use the EU’s Anti-Coercion Instrument, the so-called “trade bazooka”. Its credibility depends on decision-makers’ readiness to deploy it when European interests, values and workers are under attack.
The ETUC reiterates its previous request for the Commission and Member States to take the necessary flanking measures to protect workers, jobs and industrial capacity. This includes safeguarding affected sectors, supporting workers and communities, and ensuring that any response does not shift the burden onto employees or undermine labour standards.
Europe must therefore be ready to act decisively to protect jobs and productive capacity. Strong common instruments, similar in ambition and scale to the SURE programme, are needed to shield workers, stabilise incomes and support industries and services facing disruption.
Defending Europe also means strengthening its economic and industrial base. The ETUC reiterates its call for a robust European preference in public investment and industrial policy.
Europe’s strength lies in its unity and in its workers. Standing up for sovereignty, protecting peace and defending jobs must go hand in hand.
