The European Union is skeptical of the agreement between Trump and Rutte on Greenland.

BrusselsGood news, but nothing to write home about. The few European leaders who have reacted to the agreement on Greenland announced by the President of the United StatesDonald Trump, along with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, have opted for caution. Sources at the European Council explain that, in general, leaders welcome the de-escalation of tensions between the bloc and the United States. However, they also warn that the European Union needs to be prepared to face the "volatility" reigning in the White House and the "new reality." The same sources indicate that the main point of discussion at the EU heads of state and government summit this Thursday evening in Brussels is "how to build a strong relationship with the United States in the new context." Friedrich Merz's perspective may offer a glimpse into the general opinion in the leaders' meeting room. The German Chancellor has applauded Trump's commitment to NATO, which he has controlled. de facto by the United States itself, and has asserted that it is the "right path" for improving relations between the US and the EU. However, the German leader, one of the most pro-Atlantic voices on the EU blog, has warned Trump that if he returns to the offensive, the European bloc will act in a "united and firm" manner.

Merz's warning to Trump is similar to the one issued by the President of the European Council, António Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, before the US President announced the agreement and reversed course on imposing new tariffs on member states. Along the same lines, sources within the European Council indicate that the tools to respond to a potential new attack from the White House remain on the table.

One of the main options that European leaders will discuss, and which they could potentially implement, is the reinstatement of tariffs on approximately €93 billion worth of US goods, which were frozen when a trade agreement was reached with the US. The other option—more forceful and generating more reluctance among European partners—is the activation of the anti-coercion instrument, also known as legal bazookaThis is a mechanism that allows for restricting imports or exports, excluding certain countries from participating in public tenders, or, among other measures, suspending international obligations regarding intellectual property, which would particularly affect large US technology companies. In fact, Merz has already warned that these countermeasures could be activated if Trump actually raises tariffs on member states starting February 1st, as he initially threatened to do by pressuring allies to let him buy Greenland. Meloni, the most accommodating to Trump

One of the first leaders to react positively to the agreement announced by Trump was Giorgia Meloni. "As Italy has always maintained, it is essential to continue promoting dialogue between allied nations," the Italian Prime Minister told X. In fact, the far-right leader was one of the leaders who consistently refused to respond forcefully to Trump's threats, as advocated by France and Germany, among other countries. Several international media outlets even suggested that the Italian government initially refused to activate the planned countermeasures, such as tariffs or the legal bazooka.

Despite Meloni's lukewarm response, several European leaders agree that the increased rhetoric from European leaders against Trump is what has stopped him. "A united Europe has forced the United States to back down and hold talks with Denmark about increasing its military presence" in Greenland, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson emphasized at a press conference. Meanwhile, French government spokesperson Maud Bregeon praised Emmanuel Macron's role and asserted that the harsh speech he gave in Davos The opposition to the US president has influenced the White House's decision to back down.