> it's ridiculous framing to call this Europe escalating

Shredding a trade agreement outright is absolutely an escalation relative to tariffs. It’s both more comprehensive and includes raising tariffs.

> The US has been escalating non-stop for a year. This would be Europe responding for once

Sure. By escalating.

> Constraining Washington is in their interest

Agree. But there are smart and stupid ways to do it. It’s in America’s interest to constrain China. Nuking its own oil production to raise oil prices, as an extreme example, would be a stupid way to do it. Ends not justifying the means is more than just a moral argument.