EU considers $108 billion in retaliatory tariffs on US over Trump’s Greenland threat, FT reports, and it seems like a long-awaited moment has finally arrived. The frustration has been building, and the consensus seems to be that appeasement just isn’t working with this particular “orange megalomaniac.” It’s a sad reality, but many believe the only language he understands is the language of consequences. The discussion has gone beyond mere contemplation. Now, it’s about action.
The sentiment is clear: fight fire with fire. This isn’t just about tariffs; it’s about a comprehensive approach to make the US feel the sting financially. The suggestion is to target the bank books, hoping to galvanize Republicans to take a stand and actually consider impeachment.… Continue reading
Macron to Seek Use of EU Anti-Coercion Instrument Against US. It appears that Emmanuel Macron is considering a move to employ the EU’s most potent retaliatory tool, the anti-coercion instrument, against the United States. This is a significant step, and it speaks volumes about the current state of affairs. This instrument, designed to deter and respond to third-party countries using trade as a weapon, has never been deployed before. The intention behind it is to send a strong message.
Macron to Seek Use of EU Anti-Coercion Instrument Against US. The measures the EU could deploy could involve tariffs, taxes targeting tech companies, or restrictions on investments.… Continue reading
EU Set to Halt US Trade Deal Over Trump’s Latest Tariff Threat
It appears the European Union is bracing itself to put a stop to its trade deal with the United States, all because of the latest tariff threat levied by President Trump. This is hardly surprising, considering the escalating tension and the unpredictable nature of the current US administration’s trade policies.
Trump’s actions seem to have followed a familiar pattern. First, he announces tariffs, then he attempts to leverage them to extract concessions. We’ve seen him do this with NATO, demanding increased defense spending. Now, it seems, this strategy has been extended to Greenland, with threats of tariffs hanging over the EU for not supporting American aspirations there.… Continue reading
Following a call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, President Trump announced a tariff deadline extension. The 50% tariff on EU goods, originally set for June 1st, has been postponed until July 9, 2025. Both leaders expressed optimism regarding the ongoing trade negotiations. Von der Leyen stated the EU is prepared to expedite discussions to reach a mutually beneficial agreement. This extension provides additional time to resolve trade disputes between the US and the EU.
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The EU’s resolve to impose new sanctions on Russia, even without US participation, signals a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape. This decision stems from a deep disillusionment with the US’s current stance, perceived as complicity in the conflict in Ukraine. The belief that the US has, under its current leadership, aligned itself with autocratic regimes rather than democratic allies, fuels this determination.
This perceived betrayal has pushed the EU to prioritize its own interests and security. The feeling is that the US’s actions, seen as prioritizing short-term financial gains over long-term strategic alliances, have rendered its involvement unreliable and detrimental.… Continue reading
Global trade faces its most significant upheaval since the Cold War’s end, largely due to reciprocal tariffs imposed by the U.S. These tariffs, though temporarily reduced, threaten a 1.5 percent contraction in global merchandise trade if reinstated, with North America disproportionately affected. Conversely, the EU reports increased internal confidence and citizen support amidst this volatility, highlighting its stability. The ultimate success of either the U.S. or EU’s approach remains uncertain.
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The EU aims to bolster its defense capabilities through a €800 billion program, engaging partners like South Korea, Japan, and EFTA to reduce reliance on US defense firms, who currently receive about two-thirds of EU procurement orders. This initiative, driven by the Russian threat and shifting US geopolitical priorities, involves legislative proposals streamlining military spending and integrating the EU defense market. The goal is not to instigate conflict but to proactively ensure European peace and security. This strengthened defense complex reflects a proactive response to evolving global security dynamics.
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The European Union is launching a €150 billion loan program to bolster its defense capabilities, prioritizing the purchase of European-made military equipment such as air defense systems and drones. This initiative aims to reduce reliance on U.S. suppliers, a current major source of defense materiel for many EU nations. The program encourages joint procurement among member states and multi-year contracts to enhance industry predictability. While some nations seek grants instead of loans, the EU expects the plan to benefit approximately 20 member states by lowering their borrowing costs.
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Following a contentious White House meeting between Presidents Zelensky and Trump that ended without agreement on a mineral deal, Italian Prime Minister Meloni urged an immediate summit of the U.S., EU, and Western allies to address the ongoing situation in Ukraine. This call emphasizes the need for unified Western action, warning against divisions that weaken the West and benefit adversaries. Meloni’s proposal, to be communicated to allies shortly, follows recent reaffirmations of support for Ukraine from European leaders, highlighting growing concerns about exclusion from US-Russia negotiations. The proposed summit builds upon a previous meeting convened in Paris.
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A planned meeting between EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and Senator Marco Rubio was canceled due to scheduling conflicts, though European officials expressed surprise given Kallas’s prior announcement of the meeting. This cancellation comes amidst heightened US-EU tensions, fueled by President Trump’s proposed tariffs on European imports and a shift in US foreign policy regarding Ukraine. The US has also expressed concerns to the EU about freedom of speech and migration policies. Despite the cancellation, Kallas proceeded with other meetings in Washington to address these very issues.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker