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 retaliatory measures. The US president stated on Saturday that he would introduce a 10% levy on imports into the US on 1 February, 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 nations targeted, which also include the UK, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Finland, have indicated that the EU should prepare to respond if Trump implements the taxes. The central question now is what options Europe has to counter the US move.

One potential response is for Europe to impose its own tariffs on US goods. This tit-for-tat approach has been used in the past, but it risks escalating into a full-blown trade war, potentially harming both economies. Less than six months ago, 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 tariffs of 15% on everything the EU sells to the US after meeting with President Trump in Scotland.

The situation highlights the complexities of international trade relations and the potential for political disputes to disrupt economic stability. The EU's response will likely be carefully considered, balancing the need to protect its own interests with the desire to avoid further escalation.