European Leaders Aim to Maintain Strong Relationship with the United States
The chief of the European Council has expressed the importance of maintaining and nurturing the relationship between Europe and the United States. These comments were made following a critical meeting held in Brussels. The meeting was convened to reassess connections with the US, following threats made by the American President to claim rights to Greenland and impose tariffs on certain EU countries.
However, prior to the summit, the President, while at a global economic conference, put a pause on his tariff threats and announced he wouldn't use force to take over the island in the Arctic.
Strengthening Trade Deals with the US - A Priority for Europe
No decisions were made at the summit. However, the European Council chief stated that the priority now is to put into action the trade deal agreed between the EU and the US. The US remains the EU's largest trading partner. The main aim is to maintain stable trade relations, he said to the reporters.
At the same time, he also warned that the EU will continue to defend its interests, its member states, its citizens, and its companies against any form of coercion.
Increasing Financial Aid to Greenland - An EU Objective
Following the summit, the President of the European Commission admitted that Europe has not invested enough in the Arctic region and its security. In the next EU budget, the Commission plans to double the financial support for Greenland, she announced.
She also mentioned that her team will soon propose a comprehensive package of investments in Greenland but did not provide any further details about what these might be.
Appreciation for the Change in President's Stance
The German Chancellor expressed his gratitude for the President's apparent change of heart. He was thankful that the President had backed away from his initial plans to take over Greenland and also refrained from imposing additional tariffs.
He further added that the countries in the EU will have to work on strengthening the resilience and robustness of the European Union going forward.
Denmark Advocates for Increased NATO Presence in the Arctic
The Prime Minister of Denmark repeated her country's request for a stronger NATO military presence in the Arctic region and Greenland, in response to the President's claims of US control being necessary to address perceived security gaps.
She emphasized the sovereignty of her state but showed willingness to discuss further cooperation with the US on security in the Arctic region.
It should be noted that the US already has significant rights to military access and construction in Greenland. The President has promoted a deal in which the US will get total access at no cost, but has not provided any specifics or explained how this differs from the current situation.
Mixed Reactions to President's Change in Stance
Despite the President's change in stance, the EU's foreign policy chief said there was still a lot to discuss among European leaders. She mentioned that while everyone is relieved by the recent developments, they are also prepared for unpredictability.
She stated that discussions need to continue regarding plans for different scenarios because things could change again. She also pointed out that neither the EU nor the US benefit from unpredictability in their relations and that it only benefits adversaries who are watching and enjoying the view.
A Word of Caution
The President of France, who had previously threatened to use the EU's anti-coercion trade tool to counter any US tariffs, warned that such tools remain at the EU's disposal should they be needed. He stated that when Europe responds in a united manner, using the tools it has when threatened, it can command respect, which is a very positive thing.