Overview
- President Donald Trump announced new import duties on Germany, Denmark, Finland, France, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom, set at 10% from February 1 and rising to 25% from June 1, citing Arctic security concerns and threats from China and Russia.
- EU ambassadors held a crisis meeting in Brussels as Emmanuel Macron signaled he will ask to activate the Anti‑Coercion Instrument, which could curb US market access, exclude firms from public procurement, or impose new levies.
- The eight targeted governments issued a joint declaration rejecting tariff threats, affirming sovereignty, and expressing full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland.
- NATO Secretary‑General Mark Rutte said he spoke with Trump about Arctic security and plans to meet him in Davos this week, keeping diplomatic channels open.
- A previously negotiated EU–US tariff deal now lacks a majority in the European Parliament, while in Washington Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer vowed to try to block the new tariffs by law.