EU Considers €93B Tariffs in Response to Trump Threat
A new trade clash is taking shape between Brussels and Washington, with European officials quietly preparing countermeasures as pressure builds from the White House.
Behind closed doors in Brussels, EU diplomats are reassessing how far the bloc is willing to go after President Donald Trump threatened to impose fresh tariffs on selected European countries. The proposed measures would hit imports from eight EU states with a 10% levy starting February 1, a move linked to disputes involving Greenland.
Key Takeaways
- The EU is preparing potential countermeasures in response to new US tariff threats.
- Options include reviving €93 billion in retaliatory tariffs and using the EU’s anti-coercion instrument.
- Ongoing trade tensions are putting a broader EU-US trade deal at risk.
Rather than reacting immediately, European capitals are weighing several response paths, ranging from conventional tariffs to far more aggressive legal and economic tools.
Old weapons, new context
One option gaining renewed attention is the reactivation of retaliatory duties on roughly €93 billion worth of American goods. These tariffs were cleared politically last year but shelved after both sides reached a temporary trade understanding. That truce now looks increasingly fragile.
At the same time, EU officials are debating whether to deploy the bloc’s anti-coercion instrument – a powerful and rarely discussed mechanism designed to counter economic pressure from foreign governments. French President Emmanuel Macron has publicly argued that the tool should be considered, signaling a shift toward a tougher stance compared with earlier confrontations.
Trade deal hangs in the balance
The tariff threat is also complicating broader EU-US trade relations. European lawmakers have indicated they may delay approving a pending trade agreement, arguing that moving forward under the shadow of new US tariffs would weaken Europe’s leverage.
If ratification is stalled, it could remove one of the last barriers preventing the EU from activating its previously approved retaliation package, raising the risk of a broader transatlantic trade dispute.
A harder line from Brussels
Officials involved in the discussions say no final decision has been made, but the tone has clearly shifted. Rather than scrambling to defuse tensions, European governments are now focused on deterrence and preparedness.
The emerging consensus inside Brussels is that responding forcefully – or at least credibly threatening to do so – may be the only way to prevent further escalation. As talks continue, Europe appears increasingly willing to match pressure with pressure if Washington moves ahead.
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Alexander Zdravkov is a person who always looks for the logic behind things. He has more than 3 years of experience in the crypto space, where he skillfully identifies new trends in the world of digital currencies. Whether providing in-depth analysis or daily reports on all topics, his deep understanding and enthusiasm for what he does make him a valuable member of the team.
