Finnish MPs urge Europe to reduce dependence on uS After Trump tariff threats

Finnish parliamentarians have urged Europe to reduce its strategic dependence on the United States following President Donald Trump’s decision to impose tariffs on several countries, Finnish newspaper Iltalehti reported.

Atte Kaleva, a member of the National Coalition Party, said the need to reduce reliance on external partners has become obvious, and it concerns not only traditional rivals but also Europe’s allies.

“Europe must not be dependent on anyone, including our closest partners,” Kaleva said, emphasizing that the issue is now a matter of strategic autonomy.

His colleague, Jarno Limnell, said Trump’s threats indicate a sharp and unacceptable shift in the United States’ foreign policy direction. Limnell added that the issue goes beyond trade measures and reflects a geopolitical struggle for influence.

Former Finnish Foreign Ministry official Henri Vanhanen suggested that the U.S. leader’s statements are primarily directed at countries that send military personnel or liaison officers to Greenland. He added that the issue is highly sensitive and is likely to be reconsidered in the United States.

On January 17, 2026, US President Donald Trump announced via a Truth Social post that the United States would impose 10% tariffs on all goods imported from eight European NATO allies — Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland — effective February 1, 2026. The tariffs would escalate to 25% starting June 1 and remain in place "until such time as a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland."

By Khagan Isayev