French President Emmanuel Macron rallied European allies to unleash the EU's Anti-Coercion Instrument against looming US tariffs tied to the Greenland
dispute. Speaking through his office, Macron labeled Trump's move "unacceptable" and vowed no shift on Greenland during Sunday's push for activation. The tool, dubbed the 'trade bazooka' since its 2023 adoption, empowers the bloc to slap countermeasures like import curbs, tech taxes, or public tender bans on coercing nations. EU ambassadors convened urgently as tariffs target France, Germany, UK, Denmark, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and Finland at 10% from February 1, escalating to 25% by June without a Greenland sale deal. Trump's Saturday announcement frames the levies as leverage for "complete and total purchase" of the Arctic territory, roiling NATO partners. Macron's team argues it voids last year's partial EU-US trade pact pending ratification. Germany's Lars Klingbeil declared "a line crossed," while Denmark's Troels Lund Poulsen echoed "unacceptable." Chancellor Friedrich Merz posted solidarity with Denmark on X, warning tariffs erode alliances. The instrument's process starts with Commission scrutiny of coercion within four months, followed by qualified majority Council vote. If confirmed, negotiations precede measures proportional to harm—tariffs, service limits, or FDI blocks. Never deployed, it deters via breadth, per EU trade policy docs.
Leaders Rally Against Coercion
Finland's Alexander Stubb cautioned a "downward spiral" for transatlantic ties. Macron stressed "no intimidation" sways Europe. Bloomberg sources say France coordinates bloc-wide response, questioning prior US deal viability.'
Germany and Italy urge legal rigor before firing, fearing escalation. The Greenland row amplifies Trump's tariff playbook, hitting $93 billion in potential US duties per estimates. EU diplomats weigh swift tariffs over bazooka for broader appeal.
Trump dismissed allies' pleas, insisting security needs Greenland bases. Denmark roasted the bid, threatening US hits post-deadline. Arctic stakes blend resources, routes, and NATO flanks.
Bazooka Mechanics Face First Test
Activation demands Commission proposal, Council act in 8-10 weeks, then diplomacy. Businesses consult at stages, minimizing self-harm. Measures hit linked firms—over 50% state-owned or controlled.
Past threats like China's Lithuania probe birthed the ACI.
