European lawmaker Karin Karlsbro emphasizes that actions, not words, are crucial in addressing U.S. President Donald Trump’s actions.
Trump is currently clashing with European leaders who object to his repeated threats to take over Greenland and his non-exclusion of using force to achieve this.
The citizens of Greenland, an autonomous region of Denmark, overwhelmingly reject U.S. control. Denmark, a long-standing U.S. ally and fellow NATO member, has consistently opposed Trump’s advances.
Recently, Trump announced that eight EU countries – Denmark, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, Britain, and Norway – will face a 10% tariff for their resistance to U.S. dominance over Greenland.
In response, the EU is considering retaliatory tariffs against the U.S. or activating the Anti-Coercion Instrument (ACI), commonly known as the “trade bazooka.” The ACI could entail restrictions on public tenders, investments, banking activities, or trade in services, including digital services.
EU member states are divided on using the “bazooka”. However, Karlsbro, a Swedish MEP, advocates for a more assertive approach. Below is an excerpt from her discussion with As It Happens host Nil KÓ§ksal.
“Europe will not be blackmailed” – this is how Denmark’s prime minister characterized the situation. Would you describe Trump’s tariff threats as blackmail?
Yes, I believe ‘blackmail’ is an apt term in this context due to the unprecedented rhetoric and threats emanating from the White House, which should not occur among allies.
You’ve mentioned the term “trade bazooka.” Could you explain to our listeners the concept behind this Anti-Coercion Instrument?
It is essential to communicate in a manner that resonates with President Trump. Establishing credible deterrence, visible and applicable not only concerning Greenland but also in response to any U.S. coercion. Utilizing the “bazooka” implies that an economic threat to one EU nation is perceived as an assault on the entire union, prompting joint retaliatory measures, potentially including tariffs on vital U.S. sectors or investments.
This Anti-Coercion Instrument mirrors NATO’s Article 5: Unity in adversity.
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