European Union member states are actively considering strong retaliatory measures against the United States. This response comes directly after US President Donald Trump announced new tariff plans. The EU is weighing options that include imposing levies on American goods worth up to €93 billion.
Coordinated Response in Brussels
EU ambassadors gathered in Brussels on Sunday evening. They met to coordinate a unified position following Trump's announcement. The US president plans to impose 10% tariffs on imports from eight European countries starting February 1. Trump linked this move directly to European opposition regarding US control of Greenland.
Anti-Coercion Instrument Activation
One significant option under serious discussion involves activating the bloc's anti-coercion instrument. This trade defense mechanism specifically counters economic pressure from foreign governments. French President Emmanuel Macron publicly suggested on Sunday that the EU should consider using this powerful tool.
Retaliatory Tariffs Back in Play
The European Union had already approved retaliatory tariffs on €93 billion worth of US products last year. However, they suspended implementation after Washington and Brussels reached a trade agreement. Now, European lawmakers indicate they may delay ratifying that very agreement. This potential delay responds directly to Trump's latest tariff threat.
European Allies Push Back Strongly
The eight European countries targeted by the proposed US tariffs issued a joint statement on Sunday. They condemned the move unequivocally. The statement warned that such actions could seriously undermine transatlantic relations. It also cautioned about triggering a broader escalation in trade tensions.
These countries stated clearly that Trump's threat risks creating what they called "a dangerous downward spiral." This situation represents a potential turning point in tensions between Washington and some of its closest allies. The core issues involve sovereignty, security, and trade relationships.
Solidarity with Denmark and Greenland
European and Nordic nations reaffirmed their strong support for Denmark and Greenland. They emphasized fundamental principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. Their joint statement declared, "We stand in full solidarity with the Kingdom of Denmark and the people of Greenland."
The statement continued, "Building on the process begun last week, we stand ready to engage in a dialogue based on the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity that we stand firmly behind. Tariff threats undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral."
Trump's Greenland Leverage Strategy
Trump's announcement on Saturday appeared strategically aimed. He seems to be using tariffs as leverage to force discussions over Greenland. Greenland is a semi-autonomous territory of NATO ally Denmark. The US president considers this region strategically critical to American national security interests.
Warnings About Transatlantic Divisions
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas issued a stark warning. She stated that China and Russia could potentially benefit from divisions between the US and Europe. Kallas emphasized, "If Greenland's security is at risk, we can address this inside NATO. Tariffs risk making Europe and the United States poorer and undermine our shared prosperity."
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte confirmed he had spoken directly with Trump. He emphasized the importance of ongoing diplomacy. Rutte stated, "We will continue working on this, and I look forward to seeing him in Davos later this week."
UK and European Leadership Responses
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also spoke with President Trump. A Downing Street spokesperson revealed that Starmer told the president clearly, "Applying tariffs on allies for pursuing the collective security of NATO allies is wrong." This call followed consultations with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Even Allies Express Concern
Even Trump's European allies criticized the tariff plan openly. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is considered one of Trump's closest allies in Europe. She stated she spoke to him about the tariffs directly, calling them "a mistake." Meloni clarified that European troop deployments to Greenland intended to provide security against what she called "other actors." She emphasized these deployments were not directed at the United States.
