Trump threatens tariffs: EU calls special summit against US conflict!

Trump threatens tariffs: EU calls special summit against US conflict!

In a new area of ​​tension between the USA and Europe, US President Donald Trump has announced threatening tariffs against Germany and seven other NATO partners in the dispute over Greenland. This is causing excitement on both sides of the Atlantic and the EU has already activated its crisis management. A special summit of heads of state and government has been called to address the situation, reports the Black Forest messenger.

But what exactly is behind these tariff threats? Trump plans to impose a 10% tariff from February 1, 2026 and a 25% tariff from June 1, 2026 on goods sent to the US from eight European countries. The affected states – including Germany, Denmark, France and the Netherlands – jointly made it clear in a statement that they will maintain sovereignty and not simply accept the pressure. This unanimity comes about in view of the “creeping escalation” of transatlantic relations, as Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) emphasizes.

EU Council Presidents intervene

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has made it abundantly clear that the EU will not give in without a fight. It emphasizes protecting the Union's economic and security interests. EU Council President António Costa highlights that these tariffs undermine the spirit of the transatlantic partnership and are inconsistent with the EU-US trade agreement. The united appearance of the EU states shows that everyone is pulling in the same direction.

The EU sees the Anti-Coercion Instrument (ACI) as a possible means of introducing retaliatory tariffs on US goods and has already suspended planned retaliatory tariffs on US imports worth around 93 billion euros. The EU is also preparing for negotiations to de-escalate the current situation and is proposing larger purchases of US products.

Economic impact in focus

The levers of the economy should not be neglected either. Experts warn that the response to Trump's tariffs could have significant economic consequences for Europe. According to estimates, the EU's economic output could fall by 0.3%, with Germany alone having to expect additional costs of around 25 billion euros. The German Chamber of Commerce and Industry is therefore calling for a clear stance from the EU, but at the same time is skeptical about the harsh countermeasures.

Resistance is also growing in the USA. There is dissatisfaction with Trump's tariff policy in the US Congress, especially among the Democrats. This is another area of ​​tension that is further fueling the discussion about the unequal trade balance between the USA and the EU.

Meanwhile, it is noted that the geopolitical tensions surrounding the Arctic and Greenland bring additional complexity to the matter. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has already addressed the security situation in Greenland, underlining the relevance of the issue in global political circles.

In the run-up to the World Economic Forum in Davos, where Chancellor Merz is also expected, it remains to be seen how the matter will develop. The EU needs to take a clear course in order to protect its own interests as well as to stabilize transatlantic relations, which are seriously endangered by the tariff threats.

In conclusion, the EU is responding to Trump's threats with a decisive approach, while trying to create space for negotiations and cooperation to secure the region's economy and stability. The coming weeks will show whether this strategy will work or whether tensions will continue to rise.