Germany's Merz says EU is prepared to retaliate against US tariff threats

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has asserted that the European Union stands ready to defend its economic interests against coercive trade tactics from the United States. Addressing the German parliament on Thursday, Merz stated that while Europe desires continued cooperation with the US, it will not capitulate to tariff threats and is prepared to enact countermeasures if necessary.

EU Unity in the Face of Pressure

Merz pointed to a recent emergency EU summit as evidence of the bloc's resolve and ability to act swiftly under pressure. The summit was convened in response to tariff threats from US President Donald Trump, which were linked to European opposition to his administration's designs on Greenland. "We showed that the EU can act very quickly when necessary," Merz told lawmakers, adding that the bloc agreed it would "not allow ourselves to be intimidated by tariff threats again."

Context of the Greenland Dispute

The tensions stem from President Trump's repeated assertions that the US must acquire Greenland for national security and to counter Chinese and Russian influence in the Arctic. Both Denmark and Greenland's autonomous government have firmly rejected any notion of a sale or transfer of sovereignty. Following a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Davos, Trump indicated a potential framework deal addressing US security concerns, with reports suggesting it could involve designating US military bases in Greenland as sovereign American territory.

Broader Implications for Transatlantic Relations

Merz's firm stance highlights a growing assertiveness within the EU in protecting its strategic and economic autonomy. The Chancellor's message that "anyone in the world who believes that tariffs are necessary to make policy against Europe must know that we are prepared and able to defend ourselves" signals a shift in the dynamic of transatlantic relations. For nations like Türkiye, which navigate complex relationships with both the US and the EU, such friction between traditional allies underscores an increasingly multipolar and unpredictable global landscape.