Latest news and stories about anti coercion in Portugal for expats and residents.
Europe could activate an anti-coercion mechanism that wasn't even put on the table during the dispute that ended this summer with the trade deal. Analysts warn the crisis could lead to a 'recession'.
EU ambassadors are expected to meet in an emergency session this Sunday to assess the bloc's response to Donald Trump's threats and may decide to activate the European anti-coercion mechanism.
The European Union's anti-coercion instrument, which French President Emmanuel Macron will ask to be activated today if Donald Trump's threats of additional customs tariffs are carried out, was adopted in June 2023 but has never been used.
In 2023 Brussels approved a new instrument to respond to trade pressures from third countries, at a time of growing tension with the United States.
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.
US trade threats “raise the question of the validity of the agreement” on customs tariffs concluded between the European Union and the United States last July.
French President Emmanuel Macron, who will be in contact with his European counterparts throughout the day, will request activation of the EU's anti-coercion instrument if Donald Trump's threatened additional customs tariffs are implemented, a source close to Macron said.
