Trump surprised Europe on Saturday when he promised levies of up to 25% on Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden, as well as non-EU countries the United Kingdom and Norway, unless that autonomous Danish territory is ceded to the United States.
French President Emmanuel Macron raised the possibility of counterattacking with the EU’s trade weapon, known as the “bazooka” or “nuclear” optionthat was created in 2023, but it has never been activated.
The leader of the liberal Renew group in the European Parliament, Valerie Hayer, also called for this instrument to be used.
The tool is intended to deter economic coercion against any of the 27 EU Member States.
