President Donald Trump's threat to impose tariffs on eight European countries unless they support his plan to buy Greenland has prompted discussions within the European Union regarding potential responses. The US president stated on Saturday that he would introduce a 10% levy on imports into the US on February 1, rising to 25% from the summer if no deal is reached. It remains unclear whether these tariffs would be added to existing levies.

France and Germany, both among the eight countries which also include the UK, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Finland, have indicated that the EU should prepare to act if Trump implements the taxes. The central question now is what options Europe has to respond to the US, including the possibility of retaliatory tariffs.

The threat arrives less than six months after the US and the EU agreed to a deal intended to stabilize transatlantic trade and provide certainty to businesses and consumers. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen secured an agreement with President Trump in Scotland, resulting in tariffs of 15% on everything the EU sells to the US.

The potential imposition of tariffs raises concerns about the future of transatlantic trade relations and the stability of the global economy. The EU's response will likely be carefully considered to balance the need to protect its economic interests with the desire to avoid escalating trade tensions.