The European Union is preparing retaliatory tariffs worth €93 billion ($107.68 billion) against the United States, escalating tensions over U.S. President Donald Trump's demands to purchase Greenland. According to the Financial Times, the measures aim to counter Trump's proposed 10% tariff on goods from eight European countries, set to take effect February 1, 2026.
The EU drafted the tariff list in 2025 but delayed its activation until February 6 to avoid a trade war. With Trump's renewed threats, EU members discussed reactivating the plan Sunday, alongside measures to restrict U.S. market access under the Anti-Coercion Instrument. Leaders of Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the UK issued a joint statement affirming solidarity with Denmark and Greenland.
Trump announced the tariffs via social media, demanding the "complete and total purchase" of Greenland. Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel condemned the move as "blackmail," while German Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil vowed not to "be intimidated." European Council President Antonio Costa warned the tariffs risk undermining transatlantic relations and pledged an extraordinary EU meeting to coordinate responses.
The dispute looms over Trump's planned talks with EU leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos this week, where trade negotiations are expected to dominate discussions.
