The EU escalates its rhetoric against Trump and warns that it will "defend itself" against his "coercion"

Brussels/BarcelonaAn urgent response to Donald Trump's threats against European Union member states over the alleged annexation of Greenland. European Council President António Costa will convene European heads of state and government next Thursday or Friday to coordinate a strategy regarding the serious crisis in relations between the European bloc and the United States, according to EU sources. One of the main options under consideration is an increase in tariffs on US goods.

The statement issued by the European Council does not outline any measures against the United States and merely reiterates a warning that EU leaders have been issuing for some time. "We are prepared to defend ourselves against any form of coercion," the statement reads, referring to Trump's Saturday announcement to impose an additional 10% tax on eight states Members to push for the purchase of Greenland. "Shared assessment that tariffs will undermine transatlantic relations and are incompatible with the EU-US trade agreement," the statement adds.

The EU also sends a message of support to Denmark and Greenland, and calls for respect for "international law, territorial integrity and national sovereignty." Furthermore, the European bloc affirms that it has "an interest in maintaining peace and security in the Arctic, especially through NATO." However, and as usual, the European Council emphasizes that the EU is "ready to continue to cooperate constructively with the United States on all issues of common interest."

The options on the table

The newspaper Financial Times It was reported this Sunday afternoon that one of the options Brussels is considering is the application of a package of tariffs against US products worth 93 billion euros. Other European voices advocate for a stronger stance with the activation of the "Anti-coercion Instrument." This legislation aims to provide the EU with a legal framework to facilitate, urgently and quickly, the ability to increase customs duties, restrict imports or exports, exclude some countries from participating in public tenders, or, among other things, suspend international obligations regarding intellectual property, which would particularly affect large technology companies. However, there are also those who favor adopting a more conciliatory position and, before making any hasty decisions, sitting down to negotiate with Donald Trump. This is the case of the Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, one of the figures closest to the White House within the European bloc. "He seems interested in listening," she said after speaking with Trump on Sunday.

"They pose no threat"

Hours earlier, the eight European countries that sent troops to Greenland stated on Sunday that the military operation on the island "poses no threat to anyone." "As NATO members, we are committed to strengthening Arctic security as a shared transatlantic interest. The Danish Arctic Endurance exercise, previously coordinated and conducted with the allies, responds to this need. It poses no threat to anyone," Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Norway asserted in a joint statement. The countries against which Trump has said he will take trade reprisals have supported Denmark and Greenland and have expressed their openness to "engaging in dialogue based on the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity." Furthermore, the signatories affirmed that they will continue to respond "in a united and coordinated manner" and remain "committed to defending their sovereignty." Using language identical to that used on Saturday by the presidents of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the European Council, António Costa, the statement from the eight also insists that "tariff threats undermine transatlantic relations and carry the risk of a dangerous downward spiral." In contrast, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has avoided criticizing Trump and has not even defended the sovereignty of Greenland and Denmark. Thus, the Dutch leader explained this Sunday on social media that he had a conversation with the US president about Greenland and simply stated that they "will continue working" on Arctic security.