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EU Considers Retaliatory Measures Against Trump's Greenland Rhetoric

Published January 19, 2026, 10:19
EU Considers Retaliatory Measures Against Trump's Greenland Rhetoric

The European Union is considering retaliatory measures against the United States in response to threats from Donald Trump to impose additional tariffs on eight European countries. These threats are linked to the resistance of these countries to Trump's attempts to “acquire” Greenland. The Ministers of Finance of Germany and France, Lars Klingbeil and Roland Lescure, announced that the EU will not yield to blackmail and is preparing coordinated countermeasures, including the possible suspension of the US-European customs agreement and the imposition of tariffs on American products. Roland Lescure proposed convening a meeting of G7 finance ministers to discuss trade and sovereignty. He stressed France's full solidarity with Greenland and Denmark, describing blackmail between friends as unacceptable. He expressed hope that the “deterrent weapons” would work and that de-escalation would occur. Lars Klingbeil emphasized that Trump's threats exceed the limits regarding the sovereignty of Greenland and Denmark, requiring a strong response from Europe. Despite the seriousness of the situation, he expressed the view that the United States is more than Donald Trump and that there are encouraging signs from Democrats and Republicans who oppose this course. Europe seeks to demonstrate its strength while simultaneously avoiding escalation. However, there is a possibility that decisions will be made that will not benefit either side. The situation remains fluid and the EU is in the process of coordinating to best address the challenges posed by the US side.