Tariff Threat Targets Eight Nations Starting February Trump announced from his West Palm Beach golf club a 10% import levy on eight European countries—France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands and Finland—if his bid for control of Greenland fails, with the rate set to rise to 25% by June 1 [1][2]. The measure would begin in early February, with AP noting a February start and BBC specifying February 7 as the activation date [1][2]. Trump framed the tariff as leverage in a national‑security‑driven negotiation over Greenland [2].

EU Labels Move Economic Coercion, Prepares Countermeasures European leaders condemned the proposal as economic coercion and convened an emergency Brussels meeting, signalling readiness to deploy the bloc’s Anti‑Coercion Instrument, suspend the U.S.–EU trade framework, or invoke other “trade bazooka” tools [1][2]. The anti‑coercion mechanism requires a four‑month investigation, six‑month negotiation and up to ten weeks for member‑state approval before action can be taken [2]. EU officials stressed engagement and restraint while keeping these instruments on standby [1].

Trade Stakes Highlighted by €1.7 Trillion Bilateral Flow Eurostat data cited by AP show EU‑U.S. trade in goods and services totaled roughly €1.7 trillion in 2024, underscoring how quickly a tariff dispute could ripple through the global economy [1]. This volume makes the threatened tariffs a potentially disruptive shock to transatlantic commerce.

UK Calls for De‑Escalation, Mulls Digital Services Tax British Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged both sides to avoid a tariff war, arguing that escalation harms all parties and that diplomatic solutions should prevail [2]. He highlighted the UK’s 2 % Digital Services Tax on large tech firms as a possible leverage point if negotiations deteriorate [2].

Tariff Implementation Dates Differ Between Reports AP reports the tariffs would start in February and increase to 25 % on June 1, while BBC states the first duties would apply on February 7 and rise to 25 % by the summer, reflecting minor discrepancies in reported timelines [1][2].