Merz expects to discuss Greenland with Trump at Davos

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expects to meet US President Donald Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Wednesday to discuss the dispute over Greenland, reported dpa.

"If necessary, we will of course protect our European interests, including our German national interests," Merz said.

The comments came after Trump on Saturday said he would slap a 10% tariff on goods from Denmark and seven other European countries starting February 1 and rising to 25% from June 1 if no resolution is reached to his satisfaction, which would be the "complete and total purchase" of Danish-administered Greenland.

Trump has insisted that US control of the Arctic island is necessary to protect the region from Russia and China. The heavy-handed demand has faced opposition from within Greenland, in Copenhagen and among Denmark's European allies.

Merz made it clear that he takes concerns about Greenland's military security in the longer term seriously.

However, the chancellor also pointed out that the US itself once had over 30,000 soldiers in Greenland.

"There are currently fewer than 200," he said. "So obviously, even the United States' own threat analysis is not as dramatic as it is being presented at the moment - which does not mean that it could not become more serious again."

Earlier, Merz said Europe must stand its ground in the face of Trump's threats.

"It is clear that we want to stand our ground, as a country and as a continent," the chancellor said in Berlin. "It is up to us, and in Germany we want to accept the realities, take responsibility and lead the way for Germany."

Speaking after consultations with his conservative Christian Democrats, Merz said there is broad agreement among Europeans that further tariff threats weaken trans-Atlantic relations, carrying the risk of escalation.

Merz warned that US consumers would pay the price of the 10% tariffs. but acknowledged they would cause harm to the German and European economies.

"Customs duties are usually paid by those in whose country the imports go," he argued. "In this case, US consumers would pay the customs duties, but they would of course also damage our economy, the European economy and the German economy in particular, which is why we want to find a solution here."