Trump backs down on European tariffs... Relief in Brussels and the Greenland issue

European Union leaders expressed Trump announced he was backing down from his previous threats to impose punitive tariffs on European countries, threats linked to the dispute over Greenland. The official announcement came from European Council President António Costa on Thursday, following the conclusion of a summit of the European bloc, where he described the US move as a “positive” development that serves the interests of both sides.

Costa emphasized during a press conference in Brussels that “any move to impose additional tariffs would have been in blatant contradiction of the spirit and letter of the existing trade agreement between the European Union and the United States.” He added, stressing the need to seize this moment: “Our focus now must be entirely on moving forward with the implementation of this agreement and strengthening the partnership, rather than engaging in trade disputes.”.

Strategic dimensions of the Greenland issue

These developments come amid growing US interest in Greenland , a self-governing territory of the Danish crown. The island holds significant geopolitical importance due to its strategic location in the Arctic and its vast natural resources and rare minerals essential for modern technology industries. While the US threat of tariffs has been a tool of political and economic pressure, the unified European position, particularly that of Denmark, has repeatedly affirmed that the island is not for sale and that relations must be based on mutual respect for sovereignty.

The future of transatlantic trade relations

Costa explained that the EU's strategic objective remains "achieving genuine and sustainable stability in transatlantic trade relations." The trade relationship between the United States and the European Union is the largest and most complex in the world, with the two sides exchanging trillions of dollars' worth of goods and services annually. Any disruption to this relationship through trade wars not only harms the economies of the countries involved but also casts a dark shadow over the global economy, international trade, and supply chains.

Europe and its readiness to respond to coercion

In a firm message reflecting the evolution of European foreign policy, European Council President António Costa affirmed early Friday that the European Union would not stand idly by in the face of any future threats. He stated, “The Union will defend itself against any form of coercion.” This declaration refers to the new legal and economic instruments recently developed by the EU, known as the “Coercive Instrument,” which empowers the bloc to impose swift and effective countermeasures against any country attempting to weaponize trade.

Costa concluded his remarks after the summit in Brussels by emphasizing that “the European Union will continue to defend its interests, and will protect its member states, citizens and companies. It now has the capacity and means to do so, and will do so without hesitation when necessary,” while also noting that dialogue remains the first and preferred option for Europeans to resolve disputes.