EU Lawmakers Consider Freezing US Trade Deal Amid Greenland Tensions

European Parliament members are considering freezing the EU-US trade agreement following President Donald Trump's renewed interest in acquiring Greenland.

The trade deal, viewed by many as favoring the US, was initially promoted by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to maintain positive relations with Washington. However, Trump's recent statements, including "we need Greenland from the standpoint of national security," have intensified concerns.

MEPs from various political groups, including the center-left, liberal, green, and left-wing factions, are advocating for blocking the agreement. Anna Cavazzini, the Greens' top trade lawmaker and chair of the Internal Market Committee, stated, "I cannot imagine that in the current situation MEPs would vote for any trade measures benefiting the U.S."

Brando Benifei, a Socialist lawmaker and chair of Parliament's delegation for relations with the US, added, "We should have such a discussion, it's inevitable."

The proposed trade deal involves the EU eliminating tariffs on US industrial goods, including a 10% duty on US cars, and easing market access for certain agricultural products. In return, most EU exports would face a 15% US tariff.

Karin Karlsbro of the Renew group emphasized the need for assurances, stating, "If we are to give it the green light, we need guarantees that the U.S. will stop its tariffs and its security-related threats."

Danish MEP Per Clausen, representing The Left group, has circulated a letter urging Parliament President Roberta Metsola to freeze parliamentary work on the deal. The deadline for signatures is Tuesday. Clausen warned, "If we accept this agreement while Trump is threatening the international order and making direct territorial claims against Denmark, it will be seen as rewarding his actions — and will only add fuel to the fire."

The European People's Party (EPP), the largest political group in Parliament, remains noncommittal. Željana Zovko, the group's negotiator on the US file, commented, "These are separate matters."

The Parliament's US deal negotiators are scheduled to meet on Wednesday to discuss the next steps.