France, Germany credit 'European unity' for Trump’s shift on Greenland

French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz have credited “European unity” for prompting US President Donald Trump to soften his stance on Greenland.

Merz said on Thursday the bloc's coordinated response demonstrated that solidarity can influence American policy.

"It has become clear that unity and determination on the European side can indeed make a difference," Merz told reporters in Brussels ahead of an emergency EU summit to address tensions about Greenland and US tariff threats.

The French president said Europe makes itself respected when it reacts in a united manner, welcoming what he described as a de-escalation of transatlantic tensions ahead of an informal meeting of European Council members.

Speaking to reporters, Macron said the meeting was intended to demonstrate European unity in support of Denmark’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, arguing that a collective response had helped restore calm.

"When Europe reacts in a united manner, using the instruments at its disposal, when it is threatened, it can make itself respected," he said, calling this "a very good thing."

“I am very grateful that President Trump has refrained from his original plans to take over Greenland, and I am also grateful that he has refrained from imposing additional tariffs,” said Merz.

“All of this is the result of our joint efforts between Europe and the US to find a way to move forward together in the difficult times we are undoubtedly experiencing at present.”

‘Extremely vigilant’

The chancellor thanked NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte for his role in de-escalating tensions between the Trump administration and European allies.

After meeting Rutte in Davos, Switzerland, Trump announced a framework for a deal on Greenland.

He stepped back from threats and withdrew tariff threats against European countries.

"It's really being negotiated now, the details of it," Trump told Fox Business Network.

Macron said Europe had started the week facing "threats of invasion and tariff threats", referring to the US actions, but noted that the situation had since improved.

"Things have returned to calm, and that should be welcomed. And I think that now things must be more stable and more predictable," he said.

The president said France was ready to participate in NATO-led exercises, reiterated its full support for Denmark in upcoming talks, and warned, "We remain extremely vigilant and therefore ready to use the instruments that are ours if we were once again to be subjected to threats."