Europe pushes back against US tariff moves

Trade tensions between the United States and Europe are once again heating up, and this time the response from across the Atlantic may be far more forceful. France is urging the European Union to take a harder line against Washington’s tariff threats, opening the door to a response that, until now, had remained only theoretical.

Trade dispute becomes test of will

The U.S. administration says it is acting to correct long-standing imbalances in global trade, pointing to tax systems and regulatory frameworks that it believes disadvantage American exports. Among the targets is the EU’s value-added tax (VAT), which U.S. officials argue results in an uneven playing field. Brussels, for its part, maintains that the VAT is standard, legally sound, and applies equally to domestic and foreign goods.

The immediate flashpoint is Washington’s plan to impose fresh tariffs beginning April 2. In response, France has floated the idea of activating the EU’s anti-coercion instrument, a policy tool designed to counter economic pressure from foreign governments. While the mechanism exists on paper, it has never been used. France’s proposal would mark a significant change in how Europe handles trade pressure from powerful allies.

This is not just a reaction to a single round of tariffs. It is part of a broader shift in how Europe, and France in particular, views its position in an increasingly fragmented global economy. The mood in Paris reflects a growing belief that the EU must be ready to respond firmly when its economic autonomy is challenged.

Anti-coercion debate and what’s at stake

The anti-coercion instrument was designed as a safeguard, a way for the EU to defend itself when other countries use trade as a political tool. Until recently, there was little political will to put it into action. That is beginning to change. France wants the EU to send a clear message that it will not tolerate tactics that amount to economic pressure disguised as policy reform.

Not every EU member agrees. Some are concerned that pushing back too strongly could worsen trans-Atlantic relations, especially at a time when the global economy remains fragile. Others share France’s concerns. The issue is not only the economic costs of tariffs but also the broader risk that this approach sets a precedent. If the U.S. can pressure allies through trade measures without resistance, other powers may be tempted to follow suit.

At the heart of this debate is a larger question about Europe’s global role. Is the EU prepared to act as a strategic actor that can defend its interests, or will it continue to rely on multilateral rules that are increasingly ignored? France’s answer is clear: Europe must be able to stand its ground, not out of aggression but out of necessity.

The effects of this shift may be felt well beyond Europe. Countries like Türkiye, which maintain strong trade ties with both the EU and the U.S., are watching the situation closely. A more confident and self-sufficient European approach may help keep global trade relations from turning into a contest of strength. For Türkiye, this could mean a more stable environment in which to navigate between major powers.

France’s call to consider using the anti-coercion tool will not settle the issue overnight. However, it changes the tone and direction of the discussion. The EU is no longer positioned as a passive player waiting for decisions to be made elsewhere; it is preparing to assert itself more directly.

If the United States continues to use trade policy as a form of leverage, it may discover that its partners are no longer willing to absorb the pressure in silence. Policymakers in Brussels may soon be forced to choose between preserving the current approach or testing the tools they have kept in reserve. Either way, Europe appears more willing than before to set its own terms in the global economic arena.

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About the author: Muruvvet Sunhiran writes about financial and international issues.