French President Emmanuel Macron sharply pushed back against President Donald Trump’s tariff threats on Tuesday, saying Europe will not be intimidated or surrender its sovereignty over Greenland.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Macron said Europe will not “passively accept the law of the strongest” after Trump warned he would impose 200 percent tariffs on French wine and champagne unless Europe allows the US to take control of Greenland.

“We prefer respect to bullies. We prefer the rule of law to brutality,” Macron said.

Trade War Fears Rise

Trump has vowed to impose new tariffs starting February 1 on several European allies, including France, Denmark, Germany, and the UK, unless a deal is reached for the United States to buy Greenland. The tariffs would rise to 25 percent by June and continue until Greenland is sold.

Macron called the growing use of tariffs as political pressure “fundamentally unacceptable,” especially when used against territorial sovereignty.

European leaders are now preparing an emergency EU summit in Brussels this week to discuss retaliation.

The EU may revive tariffs on 93 billion euros of US goods and could even activate its powerful Anti-Coercion Instrument, known as the “trade bazooka,” which could restrict US companies from European markets and public contracts.

More about: Trump’s Greenland tariffs: What’s Europe’s ‘trade bazooka’ option to hit back?

Diplomatic Clash Turns Personal

Tensions escalated after Trump published a private message exchange with Macron on social media, an unusual break of diplomatic norms. In the message, Macron questioned Trump’s actions on Greenland and suggested a G7 meeting.

Trump later mocked Macron, saying he would force him to join a new US-led “Board of Peace” by threatening French wine with tariffs.

“I’ll put a 200 percent tariff on his wines and champagnes, and he’ll join,” Trump said.

Macron confirmed there is no meeting planned with Trump in Davos, signaling a growing freeze in relations.

Europe Draws a Line

Macron said Europe will defend its sovereignty and international law, warning that giving in now would turn Europe into a political “vassal.”

European officials say the conflict over Greenland is now one of the most serious strains in US-Europe relations in years, with markets already reacting nervously.

As Trump arrives in Davos on Wednesday, the standoff is shaping up to be a major test of transatlantic relations and global trade stability.

More about: The Trump Drama Hits Davos