EU options to counter US tariffs

The European Union (EU) convened an extraordinary ambassadorial meeting on January 18 to respond to the US threat of tariffs over Greenland. According to diplomats , the bloc agreed to intensify efforts to persuade Washington to abandon the measure, while also preparing retaliatory options if necessary.

EU leaders are expected to formally discuss response measures at an emergency summit in Brussels, Belgium, on January 22nd.

The town of Aasiaat in Greenland during winter. Photo: Uns

One option being considered is imposing tariffs on 93 billion euros (over $107 billion) worth of goods imported from the United States. This measure, which had been in preparation since last year in response to Washington's tariffs, was postponed after a temporary agreement was reached in July 2025. According to Reuters, the measure could be automatically triggered on February 6th, when the six-month suspension period ends.

Another strong retaliatory option that was discussed was the use of the Anti-Coercion Instrument (ACI) – dubbed the EU's "trade bazooka," which came into effect at the end of 2023 but has never been used. This instrument allows the EU to restrict partners' access to public markets, investment, banking, or services trade – areas where the US has a surplus with the bloc.

However, according to information from the bloc, the traditional tax option is currently receiving more widespread support than activating ACI.

The EU's final efforts at dialogue will likely be focused on the ongoing World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland. President Trump is expected to deliver a key speech on January 21st, marking his first appearance at the event in six years.

"All options are being considered. There will be discussions with the US side in Davos before the leaders meet," an EU diplomat revealed.

The US has not yet commented further.

Greenland is a mineral-rich autonomous territory of Denmark.

The EU's move is a response to President Trump's January 17th statement, in which he threatened to impose a 10% tariff on all goods imported from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland, starting February 1st and increasing to 25% by early June. Trump stated that these tariffs would remain in place until the US reaches a "complete and full" agreement to acquire Greenland.

Greenland, the world's largest island with an area of approximately 2.16 million square kilometers but a population of only 57,000, is an autonomous territory of Denmark. Strategically located on the shortest route connecting North America and Europe, and possessing abundant, largely untapped mineral resources, the island has always been a target for Washington.

Recently, President Trump has repeatedly emphasized the need for the US to control Greenland and has not ruled out the possibility of using force to achieve this goal, despite strong opposition from Copenhagen and many European countries.

Source: https://congluan.vn/nhung-phuong-an-eu-dua-ra-de-chong-lai-thue-quan-my-10327407.html