Brussels: European Union member states have stepped back from imposing retaliatory trade measures against the United States, opting instead for diplomatic engagement amid rising tensions over US plans involving Greenland.
An EU diplomat confirmed that ambassadors, meeting urgently in Brussels, agreed not to reactivate €93 billion worth of suspended tariffs on the US and not to trigger the bloc’s strongest response mechanism, the Anti-Coercion Instrument (ACI).
The suspension of the measures remains in place until February 6, with a decision on any extension expected after February 1.
Delegates reportedly offered only cautious support for Denmark and Greenland, signalling divisions within the bloc on how aggressively to respond to Washington’s actions.
Member states will now seek dialogue, including at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where President Donald Trump is scheduled to speak on Wednesday. The issue is also set to feature at a special EU summit in Brussels on Thursday.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Besant escalated rhetoric on Tuesday, claiming Europe’s restraint justified America’s push to secure control over Greenland. He argued that US ownership would benefit Greenland, Europe, and America while strengthening geopolitical positioning against China and Russia.
His remarks followed President Trump’s announcement that the US would impose tariffs on EU states — including Denmark — if they attempted to block possible US acquisition of Greenland.
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