EU considers retaliatory tariffs on US:Report states European countries weighs $108 billion tariffs after Trump threatens duties over Greenland

European Union member states are considering a range of retaliatory measures against the United States following US President Donald Trump’s latest tariff threat, including imposing levies on up to €93 billion ($108 billion) worth of American goods, according to The Financial Times. EU ambassadors met in Brussels on Sunday evening to coordinate a joint response after Trump announced plans to impose 10% tariffs on imports from eight European countries starting February 1. The move has been linked to those countries’ opposition to US control of Greenland. Among the options under consideration is activating the EU’s anti-coercion instrument, a powerful trade defence mechanism designed to counter economic pressure from foreign governments. French President Emmanuel Macron suggested on Sunday that the bloc should consider using the tool. The EU had approved retaliatory tariffs on €93 billion of US products last year but suspended them after Washington and Brussels reached a trade agreement. European lawmakers are now considering delaying ratification of that pact in light of Trump’s latest warning. The eight European countries targeted by the proposed US tariffs issued a joint statement condemning the move, warning it could undermine transatlantic relations and trigger a broader escalation. The statement described the threat as risking a “dangerous downward spiral” in relations between Washington and some of its closest allies. European and Nordic nations reiterated their solidarity with Denmark and Greenland, stressing respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. “We stand in full solidarity with the Kingdom of Denmark and the people of Greenland,” the statement said, adding that tariff threats undermine transatlantic relations and shared prosperity. Trump’s announcement appeared aimed at using tariffs as leverage to force discussions over Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of NATO ally Denmark that he has described as strategically vital to US national security. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned that divisions between the US and Europe could benefit China and Russia. She said Greenland’s security concerns should be addressed within NATO, adding that tariffs would make both sides poorer. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte confirmed he had spoken with Trump and said diplomatic efforts were continuing ahead of meetings at the World Economic Forum in Davos. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also raised concerns in a call with Trump, saying that imposing tariffs on allies pursuing collective NATO security was wrong. Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, considered one of Trump’s closest European allies, also criticised the plan, calling the tariffs “a mistake” and clarifying that European troop deployments to Greenland were aimed at countering other threats, not the United States. Also Read| Danish PM says, ‘Europe will not be blackmailed’ Trump slaps 10% tariff on 8 EU nations over Greenland, warns of 25% levy from June On Saturday, US President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on Denmark and several other European countries unless they agree to sell Greenland. He said the move was necessary for national security, pointing to China’s and Russia’s interest in the territory. Trump offered to negotiate with the European nations but warned that, if no deal is reached, tariffs would start at 10% on February 1, 2026, and rise to 25% on June 1, 2026. He said it was “time for Denmark to give back” after years of US support. In a post, he wrote: Starting February 1, 2026, all of the above-mentioned countries—Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland—will be charged a 10% tariff on all goods sent to the United States. On June 1, 2026, the tariff will increase to 25%. This tariff will continue until a deal is reached for the complete purchase of Greenland. Trump has been persistent about acquiring Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, citing national security concerns. The US believes Greenland’s strategic location and mineral resources are vital to its security. However, leaders in Denmark and Greenland have rejected the idea, stressing their right to self-determination. Meanwhile, Germany, Sweden, France, Norway, the Netherlands, and Finland have sent small numbers of troops to Greenland, while Denmark has increased its own military presence. European leaders have warned that a US attempt to acquire Greenland could threaten NATO and even risk the alliance’s collapse. Why is Greenland so special… Special Geographical Location: Greenland’s geographical location is very special. It is located between North America and Europe, specifically near the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. For this reason, it is considered a very important location in the Mid-Atlantic region. Strategic Military Importance: Greenland is extremely important for military and missile surveillance between Europe and Russia. The US Thule Air Base is already here, which is essential for missile warning and monitoring Russian/Chinese activities. Eye on China and Russia: Russia and China’s activities are increasing in the Arctic region. With influence over Greenland, the US wants to strengthen its geopolitical hold in this area. Natural Resources: Greenland is believed to have large reserves of rare minerals, oil, gas, and rare earth elements, which will have significant economic and technological importance in the future. China controls 70-90% of their production, so the US wants to reduce its dependence. New Maritime Trade Routes: Due to global warming, the Arctic ice is melting, opening new shipping routes. Control of Greenland will help the US dominate these routes and prevent Russia-China’s expansion in the Arctic region. US Security Policy: The US considers Greenland the “front line” of its national security. By increasing its influence there, it wants to preempt potential future threats.