D66 leader Rob Jetten and CDA leader Henri Bontenbal have both condemned the decision by US president Donald Trump to impose trade tariffs on the Netherlands and seven other European countries for sending troops to Greenland to prepare for a Nato exercise.

Speaking to reporters ahead of coalition formation talks on Monday, Jetten described the measures as “unprecedented”, saying it was extraordinary for the United States to take such steps against its own allies.

Bontenbal called the tariffs “ridiculous”. Both welcomed the announcement that the European Union is preparing countermeasures.

The comments come as the three negotiating parties continue talks on forming a minority government in the wake of the October general election.

Jetten and Bontenbal both defended that choice, arguing that in an increasingly unstable international climate it is essential to seek broad support in parliament, regardless of whether a cabinet has a formal majority.

“On foreign policy in particular, it is always wise to look for backing across the political spectrum,” Bontenbal said. “I think the opposition knows what is at stake.”

Jetten, who is set to be the next Dutch prime minister, said the row with Washington underlined the need for speed in forming a new government. It is crucial, he said, that the Netherlands once again has a proper cabinet that can play a leading role in Europe.

Bontenbal said the situation showed that the country cannot afford a prolonged formation process. “This makes clear that a cabinet needs to be in place quickly. You can’t spend another six months negotiating,” he said.

VVD leader Dilan Yesilgöz, the third party leader involved in the talks, did not speak to the press ahead of the meeting.

Cabinet reaction

Dutch foreign minister David van Weel on Sunday described the tariff plans as “blackmail”, “incomprehensible” and “inappropriate”.

Speaking on the television current affairs show WNL op Zondag, Van Weel said efforts now have to be made to make sure “this ridiculous plan” is scrapped. “This is blackmail and it is not the way to work with your allies,” the minister said.

EU leaders are planning a meeting on Thursday to discuss the crisis ahead of the Davos World Economic Forum which Trump is also expected to attend.

Downward spiral

The European Commission has warned the move threatens to undermine relations between the United States and Europe, with commission president Ursula von der Leyen saying the 10% tariffs announced by Trump risk triggering “a dangerous downward spiral”.

The Danish mission, she said, had been coordinated in advance and was aimed at strengthening security in the Arctic.

Trump said on his social media platform Truth Social that the tariffs will apply from February 1 to all goods from countries sending troops to Greenland. If Greenland has not been “bought” by June, he said, the tariffs will rise to 25%.

The EU is considering retaliatory tariffs on American goods and possibly deploying its most serious economic sanctions against the US if Trump presses ahead with his plan.