In a firm stance, European leaders are committed to defending territorial sovereignty and upholding the rule of law, despite acknowledging what seems to be a global shift towards a more lawless era. As tensions mount, this resolve may lead the European Union to impose stringent trade sanctions of its own.

This declaration came in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to levy hefty tariffs on French wine and champagne, an escalation marked by his unorthodox decision to share private messages from French President Emmanuel Macron, breaching traditional diplomatic norms.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Macron condemned Washington’s persistent imposition of new tariffs as “fundamentally unacceptable,” particularly when used as leverage against a nation’s territorial sovereignty. His words highlight the growing friction between the two major powers.

Macron has been advocating for the European Union to utilize its Anti-Coercion Instrument, colloquially known as the “trade bazooka.” This tool could potentially restrict U.S. involvement in public tenders or curtail trade in sectors like technology services. He expressed disbelief over the situation escalating to such an extent, calling it “crazy.”

When queried about Macron’s position on the Board of Peace, Trump responded on Monday with a stark warning: “I’ll put a 200 percent tariff on his wines and champagnes, and he’ll join, but he doesn’t have to join.”

In this tense backdrop, the NATO chief added a note of anticipation, saying, “Can’t wait to see you.”

200 per cent tariff on wines and champagnes

When asked about Macron’s stance on the Board of Peace, Trump said late on Monday: “I’ll put a 200 per cent tariff on his wines and champagnes, and he’ll join, but he doesn’t have to join.”

Trump publishes private messages

“Can’t wait to see you,” the NATO chief added.

No Trump-Macron meeting planned in Davos

Macron, who will leave office in mid-2027, has been France’s president since 2017. His relationship with Trump has had ups and downs since Trump’s first term, with Macron alternating between flattery and tougher rhetoric.

World order in ‘midst of a rupture’, Carney says

Since entering Canadian politics last year, Carney has repeatedly warned that the world was not going to return to a pre‑Trump normal.