Macron warns US trade ‘threats, intimidation’ towards EU not over

In Davos, Switzerland, on January 20, 2026, French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the 56th World Economic Forum. Macron stated that Europe would not be "intimidated" by potential US tariffs related to Greenland, a threat reportedly made by US President Donald Trump. He vowed to defend the European Union's interests in response to these threats. Macron made the statement while wearing sunglasses indoors, which he explained was due to an eye injury. The context of the tariffs relates to ongoing trade discussions and geopolitical interests surrounding Greenland.

The World Economic Forum annual meetings in Davos, Switzerland, began with a focus on US President Donald Trump's upcoming speech. California Governor Gavin Newsom advised handling Trump as "a T rex" that must be either appeased or devoured. European leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen and Emmanuel Macron, expressed concerns about Trump's comments on annexing Greenland, which they described as threatening and potentially punitive. The European Commission president called for a new form of European independence, while the French premier warned of risks of "new imperialism" and "autocracy against democracy". Macron also suggested that Europe might use its anti-coercion instrument to impose sweeping sanctions and tariffs if Trump's threat is not withdrawn. The gathering took place at the Swiss Alps conference centre in Davos on Tuesday, ahead of Trump's speech scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.

Despite tensions surrounding Greenland, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland on January 20, 2026, that US-Europe relations are strong. This comes amid protests in Greenland against US President Trump's policies and a potential tariff threat, leading a top EU official to question Trump's trustworthiness. The Greenland issue involves meetings between EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, Greenland's Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt, and Denmark's Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen in Brussels on January 19, 2026. Protests also occurred in Zurich, Switzerland against the World Economic Forum and Trump's visit. The situation highlights a complex dynamic between the US, Europe, and Greenland.

The European Union is considering countermeasures against the United States in response to perceived threats from President Trump regarding Greenland. The EU's primary tool is the Anti-Coercion Instrument, often called the "trade bazooka," which allows the bloc to restrict trade and investment from countries exerting undue pressure on EU members. This instrument includes measures like tariffs, barring access to public tenders, and limiting foreign direct investment. If fully implemented, the "trade bazooka" could significantly restrict access to the EU's market, potentially costing US companies billions of dollars. While the EU has the tool available, most of the 27 member nations remain skeptical about using it.

French President Emmanuel Macron's choice of aviator sunglasses at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland on Tuesday sparked significant online attention. Social media users debated the "Top Gun" look, with some praising it and others criticizing it as bombastic. The sunglasses coincided with Macron's criticism of former US President Donald Trump regarding Greenland during his speech. Macron's office stated the sunglasses were worn indoors to protect his eyes due to a burst blood vessel. The appearance generated memes and comments, including parodies referencing the movie "Top Gun," and even drew mockery from Trump himself.

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, French President Emmanuel Macron urged the EU to actively counter threats from the US and China. He specifically cited President Trump's threat of tariffs against European countries who sent troops to Greenland, a territory Trump wants to acquire. Macron advocated for the EU to utilize its anti-coercion instrument (ACI), a powerful trade weapon allowing retaliatory measures like tariffs and market bans. He emphasized that Europe risks becoming subservient if it doesn't respond decisively to these pressures. The ACI requires activation by the European Commission and approval from a qualified majority of member states.

The European Parliament is expected to suspend approval of the US tariffs deal agreed upon in July due to escalating tensions between the US and Europe. The announcement is planned for Wednesday in Strasbourg, France. This decision follows Donald Trump's threats of new tariffs related to Greenland, which has rattled financial markets and raised concerns of a trade war. The original deal, which lowered US levies on European goods in exchange for European investment in the US, still requires parliamentary approval. The EU had previously paused retaliatory tariffs on US goods, but those levies are set to take effect on February 7 unless an extension is granted or the deal is approved. The situation has negatively impacted global markets, with stocks and the US dollar falling, and borrowing costs rising.

The World Economic Forum (WEF) is underway in Davos, Switzerland, with nearly 3,000 leaders convening to discuss global issues. The event is overshadowed by international tensions, including the potential for trade disputes between the US and Europe, driven by US interest in Greenland. Other concerns include Iran, Ukraine, AI, and the next head of the US Federal Reserve. Several prominent figures are scheduled to speak, including Ursula von der Leyen, Emmanuel Macron, He Lifeng, and Mark Carney. The US has sent its largest delegation ever, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stating that European retaliation would be "very unwise." In addition to formal discussions, business deals are expected to be negotiated throughout the week.