“Ursula von der Leyen says that the introduction of additional tariffs undermines trust between the partners and could provoke a “downward spiral” that will only strengthen the position of the common opponents of the West”, — write: www.radiosvoboda.org
According to her, the introduction of additional tariffs undermines trust between partners and can provoke a “downward spiral” that will only strengthen the positions of the common opponents of the West.
“Our response will be decisive, united and proportionate. But, apart from that, we have to act strategically. That is why we are working on a package of measures to support the security of the Arctic,” added the President of the European Commission.
The security of the Arctic can only be ensured by the joint efforts of Europe and the USA, von der Leyen stressed.
She presented the European Union’s plan for full solidarity with Greenland and Denmark. “The sovereignty and territorial integrity of their territories is non-negotiable,” von der Leyen said, outlining the first principle.
The second element of the plan envisages a significant increase in EU investment in the Greenlandic economy. The third is cooperation with the US and all partners on the broader security of the Arctic.
“We must direct increased defense spending to build a European icebreaking capability and other equipment vital to Arctic security. Fourth, in the same spirit, we need to work with all regional partners to strengthen common security,” said von der Leyen and named such countries as Great Britain, Canada, Norway and Iceland for strengthening security partnerships.
At the same time, von der Leyen noted Donald Trump’s efforts aimed at promoting the peace process regarding Ukraine.
“We recognize President Trump’s role in advancing the peace process and will work closely with the United States. Ukraine must be in a position of strength,” von der Leyen said.
She also emphasized that current geopolitical changes make it necessary for Europe to move towards new independence, particularly in the economic, defense and security spheres.
“The tectonic changes we are experiencing today are an opportunity, and in fact a necessity, to build a new form of European independence,” said the President of the European Commission.
She recalled that she used the term “European independence” in the same way last year, but was surprised by the skeptical reactions. But now, according to her, a real consensus has formed around it.
“The bottom line is that the world has changed forever. And we must change together with him,” Von der Leyen concluded her speech.
From February 1, the United States will introduce 10% tariffs on a number of European countries because of the “Greenland issue”, US President Donald Trump announced on his Truth Social social network.
According to him, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, Great Britain, the Netherlands and Finland will fall under the new tariffs. The US president did not specify which goods would be subject to tariffs, nor did he explain the details of the decision, limiting himself to mentioning the “Greenland issue”.
“I agreed to a meeting of various parties in Davos, Switzerland. As I have made clear to everyone, Greenland is of the utmost importance to national and global security. There is no turning back – everyone agrees! The United States is the most powerful country on the planet, without a doubt… We are the only power that can ensure peace in the whole world – and it is done, simply put, through force,” he wrote on his social networks.
Read also: Trump accused Denmark of not being able to eliminate the Russian threat in Greenland: “it will be done”
Donald Trump has repeatedly stated his desire to gain control over Greenland. The idea was first expressed by him in 2019 during the first presidential term. Trump argues that Denmark, whose autonomous territory is Greenland, has not done enough to protect it, and that the strategically located and mineral-rich island is vital to US security, and that the United States must own it to prevent it from being occupied by Russia or China.
On January 10, Trump said that Washington was ready to “do something” about the island even without the consent of its inhabitants. The White House mentioned the use of American armed forces, purchase and other methods as possible options for establishing control over Greenland.
Following these announcements, Denmark conducted the Arctic Resilience exercise in Greenland, which involved European countries including Germany, Sweden, France and Norway.