Economy January 22, 2026

EU Trade Negotiations with U.S. Resume Following Withdrawal of Greenland Tariff Threat

European Parliament poised to restart discussions on transatlantic trade deal after escalation is averted

By Jordan Park
EU Trade Negotiations with U.S. Resume Following Withdrawal of Greenland Tariff Threat

The European Union is preparing to resume its internal discussions on a prospective trade agreement with the United States after a recent de-escalation in tensions. This follows U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to retract his tariff threat connected to his proposed purchase of Greenland. The removal of this threat has allowed EU lawmakers to clear the way for further talks on the trade deal, which had been on hold awaiting the resolution of the tariff dispute.

Key Points

  • European Parliament President Roberta Metsola announced that the EU will resume internal discussions on a trade deal with the U.S. following the removal of a tariff threat by President Trump.
  • The tariff threat was connected to President Trump’s attempt to purchase Greenland and had caused a suspension of trade negotiations earlier in the week.
  • With the tariff threat withdrawn, there is optimism among EU lawmakers that trade talks with the U.S. can be restarted, potentially benefiting multiple economic sectors affected by transatlantic commerce.
The European Union is moving forward with internal deliberations on a trade agreement with the United States after U.S. President Donald Trump pulled back on a tariff threat linked to his bid to acquire Greenland, according to statements made by Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament.

"We welcome the fact that the possibility of escalating trade tensions has been removed for now," Metsola declared on Thursday. "This development permits us to advance our internal dialogue regarding the EU-U.S. trade deal, which had previously been paused due to the looming tariff threat."

Earlier this week, the European Parliament had halted its efforts on the trade negotiations in direct response to the tariff risks presented by the U.S. administration. Metsola conveyed that with the withdrawal of the tariff threat, EU lawmakers are hopeful that negotiations will recommence in the near term.

The suspended trade talks are a significant component of the EU's economic strategy surrounding transatlantic relations. The pause, triggered by the uncertainty planted by the tariff threat—which was intricately connected to President Trump’s interest in purchasing Greenland—delayed progress on the agreement. Now that this uncertainty has been alleviated, internal EU discussions are expected to pick up the pace.

Given the complexity surrounding international trade agreements, the reinstatement of talks indicates a mutual willingness to negotiate terms that impact various sectors ranging from manufacturing to technology and agriculture, all integral to both economies.

This article was developed with AI assistance and professionally edited for accuracy and clarity.

Risks

  • Although the immediate tariff threat has been retracted, future geopolitical tensions or shifts in U.S. policy could again disrupt trade negotiations, impacting sectors reliant on transatlantic trade such as manufacturing, technology, and agriculture.
  • The interruption and resumption of talks indicate a delicate negotiation environment where uncertainties may affect investment and market confidence in both regions.
  • Dependency on political developments in the U.S. administration poses ongoing risks to the steady progress of trade agreements between the EU and the U.S.

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