Donald Trump raised the level of diplomatic tension by announcing tariffs of 10% (which could rise to 25% in June) against eight European countries that oppose the US purchase of Greenland. Among those targeted are countries such as France, Germany and Denmark.

In response, French President Emmanuel Macron described the threats as “unacceptable” and urged the European Union to activate its powerful Anti-Coercion Instrument. This mechanism, never used before, would allow Brussels to respond with severe trade sanctions to protect European sovereignty.