Europe Asia News

Many European political leaders expressed a desire to halt the final approval of the EU–US trade agreement reached last summer and partially implemented, but still requiring ratification by the European Parliament to become official.

Leading these calls was Bernd Lange, the long-serving chair of the European Parliament’s International Trade Committee.

Lange wrote on X: “New US tariffs for many countries are unbelievable. This is not how partners are treated. A new line has been crossed. Unacceptable.”

Saying that Trump “uses trade as a tool of political pressure,” Lange added: “The EU cannot continue business as usual.” He called for the implementation process of the trade agreement to be “suspended until the US ends its threats.”

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said he was “surprised” by the White House’s reaction and noted that the purpose of the European mission is “to enhance security in the Arctic,” not as claimed by the White House.

Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron said the EU would not be intimidated.

In a post on X, Macron wrote: “No intimidation or threat, in Ukraine, in Greenland or anywhere else in the world, will affect us.”

“Tariff threats are unacceptable and have no place in this context. If they are confirmed, Europeans will respond in a united and coordinated manner.”

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson echoed the same words and, in one of his toughest statements to date, said: “We will not bow to blackmail.”

Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel said his country had “taken note” of Trump’s tariff statements.

Van Weel wrote: “Military efforts related to exercises in Greenland aim to contribute to security in the Arctic region. The Netherlands is in close contact with the European Commission and partners regarding our response.”