Bernd Lange, chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on International Trade, has called on the European Commission to activate the EU’s anti-coercion instrument following US President Donald Trump’s warning of imposing additional tariffs on several European countries due to the Greenland issue. Lange emphasized the need for a clear EU response and immediate initiation of the Anti-Coercion Instrument (ACI), expressing concerns over the situation.
Trump’s announcement of imposing 10% tariffs on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, Britain, the Netherlands, and Finland starting February 1 has been deemed “incredible” and a significant escalation in using tariffs as a political tool by Lange. He stressed that the EU cannot continue with normal operations given the circumstances and highlighted the breach of a previous EU-US tariff and trade agreement.
Lange pointed out that the recent US actions regarding Greenland represent a violation of the existing EU-US trade deal and will be discussed further within the European Parliament in the upcoming week. He indicated a potential suspension of ongoing work, stating that business cannot proceed as usual in light of the current developments.
Greenland, a self-governing territory under Denmark’s sovereignty, has been at the center of attention due to Trump’s persistent interest, including previous attempts to purchase the island and recent statements hinting at military intervention. The situation has intensified following Trump’s renewed efforts to acquire Greenland, raising concerns and prompting reactions from various stakeholders.
