Archive · 20 Jan 2026
EU and France Push Back Against Trump's Greenland Threats
The European Union is thinking about using a big tool called the Anti-Coercion Instrument (ACI) to fight back against US President Donald Trump.
Trump wants to put high taxes (tariffs) on European countries unless they let the US take control of Greenland.
The EU can use the ACI to put taxes on US goods or block US companies from Europe.
Some countries like France and Germany support using the ACI, but others prefer just putting taxes on US imports.
Trump also threatened to put a 200% tax on French wine if France's leader, Emmanuel Macron, doesn't join a US peace group.
Macron said the EU should not bend to 'the law of the strongest' and should stand up for respect and unity.
The EU and France have been making strong statements against Trump's actions, while Trump is promoting his 'Board of Peace' initiative.
EU considering Anti-Coercion Instrument (ACI) to counter Trump's tariff threats over Greenland.
Trump announced 10% tariffs from February 1, increasing to 25% by June 1 if Greenland not sold.
France and Germany support using ACI, while other EU members prefer tariffs on US imports.
Macron mocked US justification for Greenland acquisition, comparing it to preemptive harmful actions.
Trump threatened 200% tariff on French wine if Macron declines 'Board of Peace' invitation.
- Who
- European Union, US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil
- What
- EU considering Anti-Coercion Instrument against Trump's tariff threats over Greenland; Macron advocates for respect and unity.
- When
- Ongoing, with tariffs scheduled from February 1 and June 1; Davos Summit on January 20.
- Where
- Europe and the United States, with discussions in Davos, Switzerland.
- Why
- To counter Trump's economic coercion and threats to seize Greenland, and to promote a rules-based global order.
EU and France
US (Trump)
Response to Economic Coercion
EU and France
EU considering Anti-Coercion Instrument (ACI) and tariffs to counter Trump's threats; Macron advocates for respect and unity.
US (Trump)
Trump threatening tariffs on EU goods, including 200% on French wine, to pressure compliance with US demands.
Greenland Acquisition
EU and France
EU and France view Trump's demands as coercive and disrespectful, emphasizing international law and stability.
US (Trump)
Trump insists on Greenland acquisition, using tariffs as leverage, and frames it as a strategic move for US interests.
Global Order and Leadership
EU and France
Macron warns against a global order dictated by the 'law of the strongest' and advocates for EU unity and respect.
US (Trump)
Trump promotes his 'Board of Peace' initiative, positioning himself as a central figure in global conflict resolution.
- Anti-Coercion Instrument (ACI)
- EU's tool to respond to economic coercion.
- Trump's Tariffs
- 10% from February 1, 25% from June 1 if Greenland not sold; 200% on French wine if Macron declines 'Board of Peace'.
- EU Response
- Considering tariffs or ACI, needs 55% member approval.
- French Reaction
- Macron's sarcastic rebuttal to US justification for Greenland; advocates for respect over bullying.
- German Position
- Finance minister supports using ACI if US doesn't back down.
- EU Meeting
- Ursula von der Leyen met US Congress in Davos.
- Trump's Ultimatum
- 200% tariff on French wine if Macron declines 'Board of Peace'.
- Board of Peace
- Trump's proposed body for global conflict resolution, with US as inaugural chairman.
Sources
Amnesty Chief urges European countries to resist Trump’s ‘bullying’ amid Greenland takeover threats
Trade War Escalates As Trump Vows 200% Tariffs on French Wine Over Macron's Peace Board Snub, Leaks His Private Message
Trump aide defends Greenland takeover — France fires back with brutal one-liners: ‘Better burn the house now’
Explained: ‘Big bazooka’ that EU could use to counter Trump’s tariff threats over Greenland
Trump vs Newsom: California governor takes trade war to Davos, urges Europe leaders to ‘have a backbone’
‘Trump’s tariff threats a mistake’: EU chief Ursula von der Leyen warns of ‘unflinching and united’ response
Macron tells Davos of a ‘shift towards a world without rules’
France's Macron says 'respect over bullies' as Trump threatens 200% tariffs over 'Board of Peace' snub
Davos Live Updates: Trump Heads To Davos With "Largest" US Delegation Yet
‘France prefers respect over bullies,’ says Macron as tension with Trump mounts over Greenland
'This is not diplomacy, it's stupidity': California Governor Gavin Newsom slams Trump over tensions with Europe
'This Is Not Diplomacy, It's Stupidity': California Governor Slams Trump Ahead of Davos Speech As Greenland Tariff Threat Sparks EU Alarm
Greenland crisis shows time for flattering Trump is over, former NATO boss Rasmussen says
'Aims To Weaken...Europe': Macron Raises Concern Over 'Autocracy Rather Than Democracy' Amid Trump's Fresh Tariff Threats
Greenland rift makes NATO vulnerable to Russia, says senior German general
'Allies Respect Us, Adversaries Fear Us': Rubio's Appreciation Post for Trump's 'Decisive Leadership' Amid Rift With European Countries
‘Trump is a T-Rex’: Gavin Newsom tears into ‘pathetic’ world leaders failing to stand up to US President
After Trump’s Greenland threat, Macron says Europe won’t bow to bullies
