Brussels, Jan 19 (V7N) — European leaders have taken a strong and unified stance against US President Donald Trump’s threat to impose tariffs over the issue of Greenland, warning that the European Union is prepared to deploy its powerful anti-coercion mechanism—popularly known as the “trade bazooka”—in solidarity with Denmark.

According to a report by Qatar-based media outlet Al Jazeera, senior European officials have signaled that continued pressure from Washington could trigger retaliatory trade measures against the United States.

German Member of the European Parliament Bernd Lange, chairman of the European Parliament’s trade committee, said in a post on social media that the EU’s anti-coercion instrument was designed precisely for such circumstances. “It will be used on US companies if Trump does not stop threatening tariffs,” he warned.

The Financial Times reported that the European Union is considering imposing tariffs on US goods worth approximately €93 billion (about $108 billion). In addition, Brussels is weighing the possible activation of the anti-coercion instrument adopted in 2023, which could include restrictions on US companies’ access to investment opportunities within the EU.

Under the mechanism, the EU has the authority to respond to economic pressure by imposing tariffs, restricting trade, limiting market access, and even banning foreign companies from investment. Analysts say the escalating dispute over Greenland has pushed US–European relations to their lowest point in decades.

The tensions intensified after President Trump recently threatened to impose tariffs if Denmark opposed the annexation of Greenland, an autonomous territory under Danish sovereignty. In response, eight European countries—including Denmark, France, Germany and the United Kingdom—have publicly backed Copenhagen, asserting that Greenland is not for sale under any circumstances.

European Council President António Costa said Europe is prepared to defend itself against all forms of economic and political coercion. “The threat of tariffs damages relations and creates a dangerous economic situation,” he said. “We are united in defending sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

Trump has reportedly threatened to impose tariffs of 10 percent from February and 25 percent from June on several European countries until the United States reaches an agreement regarding Greenland. He has also declined to rule out the use of military force, further heightening tensions.

Denmark has categorically rejected any discussion of selling Greenland. Public opposition has also grown, with thousands of people taking to the streets across Danish cities on Saturday (January 17), chanting slogans such as “Greenland is not for sale.”

Analysts warn that if US pressure over the Greenland issue continues, relations between Europe and the United States could deteriorate further, with serious consequences not only for transatlantic trade but also for the future cohesion of the NATO security alliance.

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