The European Union (EU) held an ambassador-level emergency meeting on 18/1 to discuss the Greenland issue and a US tariff threat.
According to EU diplomats, participants agreed to intensify efforts to persuade US President Donald Trump not to impose tariffs on European allies. They also committed to preparing retaliatory measures should Washington proceed with this action.
EU leaders are expected to discuss response measures at an emergency summit in Brussels, Belgium, on 22/1. One option is to impose tariffs on 93 billion EUR (over 107 billion USD) worth of goods imported from the US. The EU announced this measure last year to retaliate against Washington's tariffs, but it was postponed after both sides reached an agreement in 7/2025.
 |
Coastal houses in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, in 2/2025. *AP*
The measure could automatically activate on 6/2, after a 6-month suspension period ends, according to Reuters.
The second retaliatory option discussed by the EU is using the anti-coercion instrument (ACI). Effective since late 2023 and dubbed the "trade bazooka", the ACI is the EU's strongest trade retaliation measure and has never been activated.
This instrument could restrict access to public procurement, investment or banking activities, or limit trade in the services sector, an area where the US has a surplus with the EU. A bloc source indicated that the tariff option received broader support than activating the ACI.
The EU's diplomatic efforts will likely be a key topic at the World Economic Forum taking place this week in Switzerland. President Trump is expected to deliver a key speech on 21/1, marking his first appearance at the event in 6 years.
"All options are being considered. There will be discussions with the US side in Davos before leaders meet," an EU diplomat revealed.
US officials have not commented on the information.
 |
Location of Greenland. *BBC graphic*
US President Donald Trump on 17/1 threatened to impose a 10% tariff on all goods imported from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland. This tariff is effective from 1/2 and will increase to 25% in early 6.
Trump stated this measure would remain in effect until the US reaches an agreement to acquire Greenland "completely and fully".
Greenland is the world's largest island, located near North America, between the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, with a population of 57,000 people and an area of about 2,16 million km2. Situated on the shortest route from North America to Europe and a strategically important location for Washington, Greenland possesses abundant, largely untapped mineral resources.
The US President recently reiterated his demand to control Greenland, an autonomous island belonging to Denmark, while leaving open the possibility of using force to achieve this goal despite opposition from Copenhagen and many European countries.
