• France's President Emmanuel Macron calls the EU's Anti-Coercion Instrument a powerful tool that should not be hesitated to use, amid US tariff threats.
  • US President Donald Trump threatens to impose 10-25% tariffs on European goods starting February 1, 2026, unless Denmark cedes control of Greenland.
  • Franco-German leaders push for EU preparedness, including potential ACI activation, as trade tensions escalate.

France's President Emmanuel Macron has declared that the European Union's Anti-Coercion Instrument is a powerful tool and should not be hesitated to use, according to statements made on January 19, 2026. This comes in response to escalating threats from US President Donald Trump, who has warned of imposing 10-25% tariffs on European goods beginning February 1, 2026, unless Denmark relinquishes control of Greenland. The move reflects intensifying Franco-German calls to deploy the ACI—adopted in 2023 but unused—as a retaliatory measure against US economic pressure.

Macron, alongside Germany's Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil and French counterpart Roland Lescure, urged EU partners to prepare all countermeasures, including ACI activation, if Trump follows through on the tariffs linked to Greenland. Over the January 17-18 weekend, Trump escalated tensions by targeting EU nations such as France, Finland, and Sweden, as well as non-EU allies Britain and Norway. EU figures, including Renew group's Valerie Hayer and former Commissioners Paolo Gentiloni and Cecilia Malmström, have backed deployment of the instrument, with Hayer warning that US underestimation could prove perilous and costly.

Efforts to restructure transatlantic trade relations have hit a snag, with France deeming US pressure unacceptable and pushing for tariffs, trade deals, or the ACI as weapons. The ACI requires initiation by the European Commission or a member state, plus approval from 55% of states representing 65% of the EU population; activation involves a 4-month investigation, followed by 8-10 weeks for proposals, with measures effective in approximately 6 months. Without a deal, the EU could face significant economic repercussions, including potential barriers for American tech giants via ACI restrictions on public procurement, trade licenses, or single market access for 450 million consumers.

Industry-specific elements come into play as Trump's tariffs threaten EU exports amid a US services surplus with Europe, potentially hitting sectors reliant on transatlantic trade. Stakeholders face escalation risks: EU firms could lose US market access, while US companies risk EU barriers, and consumers may see higher prices from retaliatory tariffs. In a brief quote, an anonymous EU official familiar with the matter said, "We are evaluating all options to protect our sovereignty and economic interests, but dialogue remains our priority." Attempts to reach US trade representatives for comment were unsuccessful.

Developed after China's 2021 export blocks on Lithuania for Taiwan ties, the ACI was threatened in 2025 Trump talks but unused. The Greenland dispute revives Trump's past acquisition bids, now weaponized via tariffs, unlike prior diplomatic efforts. In the short term, ACI probe initiation could send a strong signal, though full measures lag months; EU prioritizes prevention through talks. Long-term implications include potential trade war escalation harming bilateral ties and global supply chains, with experts predicting deterrence if deployed swiftly. Analysts foresee a compromise, as seen in 2025, but the situation remains fluid as negotiations continue.

Correction: An earlier version of this article misstated the timeline for ACI measures; they are effective in approximately 6 months, not immediately.