Germany pushes EU to prepare tough response against US tariffs

German Finance Minister and Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil told reporters that the EU should prepare its so-called trade bazooka to respond if Trump’s threats materialise.

Klingbeil said that, there is a legally established European toolbox for responding to economic blackmail with very sensitive measures, Caliber.Az reports, via foreign media.

"And we should now consider using these measures,” he added, standing alongside his French counterpart Roland Lescure in Berlin. 

“Everything must be prepared now,” he added, while emphasising that “we are ready to find solutions. We are extending our hand, but we are not prepared to be blackmailed.”

Macron’s office announced on January 18 that France would ask the EU to activate the bloc’s Anti-Coercion Instrument, commonly referred to as the trade bazooka. Germany has traditionally been more cautious about such measures, given the country’s reliance on exports.

Klingbeil’s comments suggest Berlin may now be willing to take a firmer line with Washington. Attention now turns to conservative Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who is scheduled to speak to journalists this afternoon.

Merz has in the past adopted a more conciliatory approach toward the Trump administration than the centre-left vice chancellor.

Trump said the United States will impose new tariffs on several European countries unless a deal is reached for the purchase of Greenland, escalating his long-running push for US control of the Arctic territory ruled by Denmark.

Trump announced a 10% tariff on “any and all goods” from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland starting February 1, rising to 25% on June 1, until an agreement is reached.

“We have subsidized Denmark, and all of the Countries of the European Union, and others, for many years by not charging them Tariffs, or any other forms of remuneration,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post. “Now, after Centuries, it is time for Denmark to give back — World Peace is at stake!”

Trump did not clarify the exact nature of the tariffs or whether the 10% rate would be in addition to existing duties.

By Aghakazim Guliyev