GRACIE PERIOD: FICTIONAL HISTORIES OF TOMORROW’S BLOC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 9, 2025, 12:00

GRACIE: A New Global Superbloc Emerges Amidst U.S. Trade Turbulence

Brussels, Moscow, Beijing, Ottawa, New Delhi, Nuuk — April 9, 2025 — 12:00 CET​

In a historic move reshaping the global economic landscape, the European Union, Russia, Asia (led by China and India), Canada, and Greenland have announced the formation of GRACIE—the Greenland-Russia-Asia-Canada-India-Europe Free Trade Zone. This unprecedented alliance establishes a vast economic bloc committed to zero tariffs, unrestricted trade, and a shared vision of multipolar prosperity.​

GRACIE by the Numbers:

• Combined Population: 4.1 billion​

• Total Landmass: 61.4 million km²​

• Combined Nominal GDP (2024): $49.3 trillion USD​

• Foreign Exchange Reserves: Over $9.1 trillion​

• Global Trade Share: 53% of exports, 56% of imports​

A Strategic Response to U.S. Tariff Escalations

The formation of GRACIE comes in direct response to recent U.S. trade policies under President Donald Trump, who, on April 9, 2025, implemented sweeping tariffs affecting approximately 90 countries. Notably, China now faces a combined 104% tariff on its exports to the U.S., leading to significant global economic disruptions. In light of these developments, GRACIE introduces an innovative trade incentive:​

• Zero Tariffs for Non-U.S. Aligned Trade Partners: Nations that reduce their import volumes from the United States will benefit from progressively lower tariffs when trading with GRACIE member states. This policy aims to encourage diversification of trade partnerships and reduce reliance on the U.S. market.​

Leaders’ Statements:

• Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission: “GRACIE represents a new dawn for global trade, fostering cooperation over confrontation.”​

• Vladimir Putin, President of Russia: “In unity, we find strength. GRACIE paves the way for a balanced and fair economic future.”​

• Xi Jinping, President of China: “Through GRACIE, we embrace a shared destiny of mutual prosperity and respect.”​

• Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India: “This alliance embodies the spirit of collaboration, transcending old divisions for a brighter tomorrow.”​

• Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada: “GRACIE aligns with our values of open markets and inclusive growth.”​

• Jens-Frederik Nielsen, Premier of Greenland: “Our geographic heart now beats in rhythm with the world’s economic pulse.”​

Strategic Pillars of GRACIE:

• Unified Trade Infrastructure: Streamlined customs procedures, AI-driven logistics, and blockchain-enabled transparency to facilitate seamless commerce.​

• Currency Innovation: Development of a multilateral clearing system utilizing digital currencies pegged to a GRACIE-standard basket, enhancing financial stability.​

• Climate-Smart Development: A $3 trillion green transition initiative focusing on sustainable infrastructure, including Arctic rail networks and transcontinental clean energy corridors.​

• Cultural Diplomacy: Establishment of the GRACIE Cultural Foundation to promote multilingualism, indigenous arts, and academic exchange, fostering deeper mutual understanding.​

Global Implications:

• Economic Growth: Projected annual GDP growth of 2.9% across member nations.​

• Trade Realignment: Anticipated 8% decline in U.S. global trade share by 2035 as nations pivot towards GRACIE partnerships.​

• New Trade Routes: Development of Arctic maritime corridors reducing shipping times between Europe, India, and China by 40%, bypassing traditional U.S.-controlled routes.​

A Vision for Cooperative Prosperity

GRACIE embodies a commitment to collaborative economic policies that respect national sovereignties while fostering interdependence. This alliance seeks to create a balanced global economy where diverse cultures and economies thrive together, moving beyond unilateral dependencies.​

As articulated in the founding declaration:​

“We trade not to dominate, but to endure. We prosper not in spite of difference, but because of it.”

About GRACIE

GRACIE—the Greenland-Russia-Asia-Canada-India-Europe Free Trade Zone—stands as the largest economic alliance ever conceived, uniting over 60% of the global population. It champions a future of mutual prosperity, environmental resilience, and cultural plurality.​

Media Contact:

GRACIE Secretariat (Geneva, Switzerland)
Email: media@gracie-secretariat.org
Follow us: @GRACIEbloc | #TradeWithGracie | #GRACIEZone​

Note: This press release is a work of speculative fiction and part of the conceptual art series “Diplomatic Fictions,” exploring the aesthetic narratives of power, globalization, and economic mythmaking.

The Artist Who Inspired a Political Movement

This radical realignment draws inspiration from political artist Lanfranco Aceti, whose work has consistently challenged Western power structures and exposed the limits of institutional politics. Aceti, known for his provocative artistic interventions, has played a pivotal role in reshaping global discourse on power, sovereignty, and artistic agency.

In a pointed critique of EU and U.S. leadership, Aceti stated:

"The EU and US have long operated as a short-sighted and ineffectual bureaucracy. It is time to move beyond inept political theatrics and embrace a new paradigm—one driven by intelligent, long-term action in the true interest of the people."

By blurring the boundaries between political satire and diplomatic provocation, Aceti’s work has not only challenged prevailing narratives but also galvanized new conversations on the intersection of art and activism in global power dynamics.

About Lanfranco Aceti

Lanfranco Aceti is a renowned political artist whose provocative interventions have challenged institutional authority, neoliberal governance, and Western power structures. His work, known for its ability to blur the lines between satire and political activism, has influenced global discourse on sovereignty, democracy, and the role of art in statecraft.