Europe – The Financial Times reported on Sunday that the European Union is considering countermeasures against the United States. These measures could include imposing tariffs worth up to €93 billion and restricting US companies’ access to the bloc’s market. This comes in response to threats made by US President Donald Trump against European countries over their stance on Greenland.
The newspaper quoted European officials involved in preparations for upcoming meetings in Switzerland as saying that Brussels is working on a package of economic options to respond to the escalating US pressure. This aims to strengthen the position of European leaders before crucial meetings with Trump, which will take place on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos this week.
According to the report, potential measures include imposing broad tariffs on selected US imports. In addition, the EU is considering activating legal mechanisms that would allow it to restrict the activities of certain US companies or limit their access to the single market. This would occur if Washington follows through on its threats to impose additional tariffs on European NATO member states.
This move comes amid escalating tensions in transatlantic relations, after Trump threatened punitive economic measures against European countries that oppose his policies regarding Greenland. This has sparked a wave of criticism within the EU, with several European capitals describing it as “political and economic blackmail.”
European sources confirmed to the newspaper that the aim of these steps is not escalation per se, but rather to send a clear message to Washington that the European Union possesses strong retaliatory tools and is capable of protecting its economic and strategic interests. They added that any final decision regarding tariffs or restrictions will depend on the course of the upcoming political talks and the extent to which the US administration is willing to back down from its threats.
European officials fear that continued trade tensions could cause widespread damage to global supply chains. This comes at a time when the international economy is facing increasing challenges. However, they stressed that the European Union will not stand idly by if the US threats are translated into concrete actions. They also emphasized that a unified European stance is essential in confronting any external pressure.
