Former European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker urged the European Union to stand firm against perceived economic pressure from the United States, warning that the current US administration appears unwilling to engage in constructive dialogue. Speaking on Euronews’ Europe Today program, Juncker highlighted the EU’s anti-coercion instrument as a potential tool to counter what he described as “neo-colonial behaviour” from Washington. The comments came as US President Donald Trump discussed global affairs at the World Economic Forum in Davos, and reiterated interest in acquiring Greenland.
Juncker’s remarks, made on Wednesday, followed Trump’s address and his continued assertions regarding Greenland, even misidentifying it as Iceland during his speech. According to Juncker, the context of US-EU relations has deteriorated significantly since he previously navigated trade tensions with Trump in 2018, making diplomatic solutions more challenging.
The EU’s Anti-Coercion Instrument and US-Europe Relations
The “bazooka,” as the anti-coercion instrument is often called, was adopted by the EU in 2023. It empowers the bloc to impose trade restrictions and limit market access on countries attempting to exert economic pressure on member states. The instrument aims to protect the EU from external coercion and ensure its economic sovereignty.
Juncker emphasized that the EU possesses significant economic leverage and should not hesitate to utilize it if necessary. He stated the EU is “not a slave of the United States of America,” and that this message needs to be conveyed directly to the US President. This assertive stance represents a shift in tone from previous attempts at conciliatory diplomacy.
Trump’s Greenland Pursuit and NATO Implications
Trump’s repeated expressions of interest in acquiring Greenland, even suggesting negotiations, have raised concerns about the stability of the transatlantic alliance. Juncker warned that any action by a NATO member against another could trigger a crisis within the alliance, potentially leading to its dissolution. This concern is amplified by Trump’s past questioning of NATO’s value and burden-sharing arrangements.
While Trump reportedly ruled out a military attack on Greenland, his continued pursuit of a purchase, coupled with his dismissive characterization of the territory as a “giant piece of ice,” has been viewed as disrespectful by many European leaders. The situation underscores the growing divergence in strategic priorities between the US and key European allies.
Meanwhile, Juncker, now an advisor to current Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, assessed Trump’s Davos speech as “less aggressive” than anticipated, but ultimately “not reassuring.” He believes the US President is currently “not in a very listening mode,” hindering efforts to find common ground on critical issues.
The debate over the anti-coercion instrument also highlights broader discussions about European strategic autonomy and the need for the EU to develop independent capabilities in areas such as trade, defense, and technology. This push for greater independence is partly driven by concerns about the reliability of the US as a partner, particularly under the current administration. Relatedly, discussions around global conflict are increasing as geopolitical tensions rise.
Looking ahead, the EU will likely continue to debate the appropriate response to US policies, balancing the need to defend its interests with the importance of maintaining a strong transatlantic relationship. The implementation of the anti-coercion instrument remains a key point of contention, and its potential deployment against the US would represent a significant escalation in tensions. Observers should watch for further statements from EU leaders and any concrete actions taken in response to US policies in the coming weeks and months.