Trump’s tariff shock suggests EU’s strategy of flattery and appeasement has failed

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 4 min read 100% complete by Jennifer Rankin in BrusselsJanuary 18, 2026 at 07:10 PM

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The article discusses the potential failure of the EU's strategy of appeasement towards the US, exemplified by Donald Trump's recent threat of tariffs against countries supporting Greenland. This threat, impacting six EU member states, the UK, and Norway, follows a trade deal signed last July that critics viewed as heavily favoring the US. The EU hoped the deal would stabilize relations and maintain US support for Ukraine. However, Trump's tariff threat has united the European Parliament in opposition to the agreement, with figures across the political spectrum condemning it as blackmail. The future of the trade deal and the EU's approach to the US are now in question.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Russia 30% Ukraine 30% Norway 40% Jordan Bardella 40% UK 40% North Atlantic Treaty Organization 50% Denmark 60% Greenland ×370% United States ×880% Ursula von der Leyen ×380% Donald Trump ×690% European Union ×890%

Keywords

tariffs 90% donald trump 90% eu-us relations 80% trade deal 80% appeasement 70% ursula von der leyen 60% transatlantic alliance 60% greenland 50% ukraine 40% commercial blackmail 40%