The Indicator from Planet Money Can Europe sell America?
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Jan 27, 2026 
Robin Wigglesworth, FT Alphaville editor and Financial Times finance reporter, breaks down Europe’s financial leverage over the U.S. He explores the EU’s 'anti-coercion' legal tool and Europe’s $3 trillion in U.S. Treasuries. Short takes cover Denmark’s bond sales, forced divestment risks, and why pulling purchases is more likely than a full sell-off.
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EU's 'Bazooka' Is Legal, Not Automatic
- The EU's anti-coercion mechanism is a legal tool meant to punish foreign coercion beyond tariffs.
- Robin Wigglesworth says it's powerful in theory but requires political will to actually fire the 'bazooka'.
Danish Pension's $100M Treasury Sale
- A Danish teachers' pension announced it would sell about $100 million of U.S. government bonds amid Greenland tensions.
- The move signaled broader European unease even if the fund denied a direct link to the spat.
Weigh The Self-Harm Of Retaliation
- Consider the trade-offs before escalating with anti-coercion measures because Europeans would also lose access or services.
- Robin Wigglesworth suggests cautious use to avoid dangerous retaliation or self-inflicted damage.