European leaders urge Commission to deploy powerful trade weapon against US amid escalating tensions over Greenland.
Politico: EU closer to most powerful weapon
The European Commission is preparing the most powerful trade weapon against the United States, as expected by EU leaders who have hardened their stance against Donald Trump’s actions and his desire to acquire Greenland. Politico has found that Germany has joined France, declaring it will ask the Commission to consider using the Anti-Coercion Instrument (ACI), known as the “trade bazooka.” This is a mechanism against economic coercion by third countries.
“Berlin’s move brings the EU closer to a more decisive reaction, and Trump’s escalating rhetoric about the Danish territory has prompted key capitals to harden their stance on how Europe should respond,” we read. “There is strong support and firm conviction that the EU must prepare for every scenario, and these include all available instruments,” explained the portal’s informant.
Awaiting Trump’s words in Davos
Sources cited by Politico noted that demands on the European Commission will depend on what the US president says in his speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Wednesday. While several European leaders are trying to arrange meetings with Trump on the sidelines of the Economic Forum to dissuade him from imposing tariffs, they are also preparing for the possibility that Trump will fulfill his threats.
Last weekend, the US president announced that from February he will impose 10% tariffs on France, Germany, Denmark, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Finland. Additionally, French wines and champagnes will be subject to a 200% tariff because Macron refused to participate in Trump’s Peace Council.
France wants NATO exercises in Greenland
The Élysée Palace announced Wednesday morning that France has requested NATO exercises in Greenland and is ready to participate. This is a reaction to US threats to take over this territory. The Greenland issue is causing growing tensions in relations between Paris and Washington.
The statement came just hours after Donald Trump confirmed at a press conference his plans to take over this territory. Last week, France sent about fifteen military personnel from mountain units Chasseurs Alpins to the island to participate in an international reconnaissance mission without American participation, which angered the White House.
