Should the EU Respond to Trump's Greenland Tariff Threat?
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Synopsis
As tensions rise over Greenland, EU trade chief Bernd Lange pushes for action against President Trump's tariff threats. This situation marks a critical juncture in international trade relations, prompting a reassessment of EU's strategy. Discover how the EU plans to address these extraordinary circumstances.
Key Takeaways
- EU's Anti-Coercion Instrument could be activated in response to US tariffs.
- Trump's tariff threat affects multiple European nations.
- The situation marks a significant escalation in trade tensions.
- The EU must reassess its trade strategies with the US.
- Greenland remains a critical geopolitical interest for the US.
Brussels, Jan 18 (NationPress) Bernd Lange, the chair of the European Parliament's Committee on International Trade, has called upon the European Commission to activate the EU's anti-coercion instrument following US President Donald Trump's threats of imposing additional tariffs on several European nations concerning Greenland.
"It is also now a crucial moment to implement the Anti-Coercion Instrument (ACI) ... and outline a definitive EU response," Lange stated in a LinkedIn update, urging the Commission to initiate the ACI procedure without delay, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
On Saturday, Trump announced that the United States intends to impose 10% tariffs on all imports from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, Britain, the Netherlands, and Finland regarding Greenland effective February 1.
Lange described this threat as "incredible" and indicative of a "new dimension" in the use of tariffs as a political tool, emphasizing that the EU cannot "proceed with business as usual" under such conditions.
Furthermore, he remarked that the US action constitutes another violation of a political tariff and trade agreement made between the EU and US in Scotland in July 2025, and he mentioned that the European Parliament will revisit this issue with political groups in the upcoming week.
"I cannot envision how we can maintain business as usual, and I believe we will need to halt our future work," he expressed.
Greenland operates as a self-governing region within the Kingdom of Denmark, with Copenhagen retaining authority over defense and foreign affairs. The United States has a military base located on the island.
Trump has shown persistent interest in Greenland, from his initial proposal to "buy" the island during his first term to now exploring "a range of options" which may even include "utilizing the US military" to take control of the autonomous territory. The crisis surrounding Greenland escalated as Trump has intensified his efforts to acquire the island.
Point of View
Ensuring a fair trading environment for all member states.
NationPress
18/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the anti-coercion instrument?
The anti-coercion instrument is a mechanism within the EU designed to protect its member states from coercive economic practices by non-EU countries.
What tariffs did Trump threaten?
President Trump threatened to impose a 10% tariff on goods imported from several European countries, including Denmark and Norway, related to Greenland.
What is the significance of Greenland in this context?
Greenland is a self-governing territory of Denmark, which has made it a focal point for political and economic negotiations involving the US and EU.
