In the aftermath of Donald Trump’s threats to impose higher tariffs over Greenland, France and Germany sent a clear message of unity and determination as they arrived at today’s Eurogroup meeting in Brussels, where it convenes for the first time under the presidency of Kyriakos Pierrakakis. “It is crucial that France and Germany work together and that Europe moves forward united,” said French Finance Minister Roland Lescure, who arrived at the Eurogroup meeting alongside his German counterpart Lars Klingbeil, following a meeting they held in Berlin, emphasizing the importance of close coordination between Paris and Berlin.
France: EU has “strong tools” to respond
Meanwhile, the French minister characterized recent statements from the US as “unacceptable threats,” avoiding the term “blackmail” as he put it, but making clear that these constitute acts of “economic coercion.” “We will do whatever is necessary to ensure these threats are not implemented,” he declared, emphasizing that the best way to deter them is to prove that “the European Union is ready to react in a unified, cohesive and strong manner.”
Roland Lescure noted that the EU has “strong tools” to respond, mentioning among others trade agreements, tariffs and if necessary, the Anti-Coercion Instrument. He reminded that the issue has already been raised in discussions among member state ambassadors, confirming that the matter is being seriously examined at the European level. “It is important that France and Germany are united and clearly say ‘no’,” concluded the French minister, sending a message that Europe will not accept pressures that challenge the sovereignty of member states or European cohesion.
