EU Warns Trump: "We Can Weaponize Our Economy Too"

European leaders are sending a united message to Donald Trump, according to a top analyst. They aim to show the former U.S. president that Europe holds major economic power. Grégoire Roos, Director of the Europe, Russia and Eurasia programme at the UK-based Chatham House think tank, spoke to FRANCE 24. He said EU officials have finally realized the strength of their single market. The single market is the EU's duty-free trading zone. Roos says global economies are deeply dependent on it. He argues that by understanding this, EU leaders have "bought time." Their strategy is to demonstrate that Europe can also use its market as a political tool—a process often called "weaponizing" the economy. This convergence aims to prepare for a potential second Trump presidency. The goal is to ensure Europe is seen as a strong, strategic partner.