Trump's threats of tariffs on European countries are a "mistake", says Ursula von der Leyen in a speech at the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos. Here, the EU Commission President also announces increased EU investments in the Arctic.
- Security in the Arctic can only be achieved together. That is why the proposed additional tariffs are a mistake, especially between long-standing allies. The EU and the US concluded a trade agreement in July last year. And in politics as in business, a deal is a deal. And when friends shake hands, it must mean something, says von der Leyen.
She does not specifically mention what countermeasures the EU will take if Trump does not change course. The President of the European Commission warns, however, that the United States will feel it if Trump imposes additional tariffs on Denmark and other European countries in his attempt to take over Greenland.
- We consider the American people not only our allies, but also our friends. To throw ourselves into a dangerous downward spiral would only help the enemies that we are both so determined to keep out of our strategic landscape. Our response will therefore be unwavering, united and proportionate, says von der Leyen in the speech.
Counter-tariffs and "trade bazooka" under consideration
On the table is an already prepared European counter-tariff on American goods for 93 billion euros. This corresponds to around 690 billion kroner.
At the same time, the EU can choose to use the very heavy weapon. This is the special anti-coercive instrument - also called the EU's trade bazooka. It can, among other things, be used to exclude American companies from supplying the EU market.
While threats of tariffs and alliance breakdowns are flying back and forth across the Atlantic, the meeting in Davos this year has - depending on temperament - paradoxically or appropriately been given the title "A Spirit of Dialogue", which can be translated as "A spirit of dialogue".
However, in her speech, Von der Leyen emphasizes that Europe is ready for cooperation. This must be done, among other things, through increased European investments in the Arctic. In this way, Von der Leyen sets out in her speech to meet Trump's demand that security in and around Greenland be increased.
- When it comes to security in the Arctic, Europe is fully committed. And we share the United States' goals in this regard.
She points out that Finland, for example, sells icebreakers to the United States. According to von der Leyen, Europe is already behind some of the capabilities that will be used to secure Greenland.
At the same time, the EU and the member states are ready to invest more in the Arctic.
- We will be strategic in our approach to this issue. That is why we are working on a package to support security in the Arctic, says von der Leyen.
Clear rejection of the sale of Greenland
However, she states in the speech that the "first principle" of the effort will be "full solidarity with Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark".
- Their sovereignty and territorial integrity are not up for negotiation, says von der Leyen.
This is a flat rejection of Trump's demand to take over Greenland from Denmark. An issue that Trump himself expects to discuss at a meeting in Davos this week. Secondly, the EU Commission is working on a "massive increase" in European investments in Greenland.
- We will work closely with Greenland and Denmark to see how we can further support the local economy and infrastructure.
- Thirdly, we will work with the US and all partners on broader security in the Arctic, says Ursula von der Leyen in the speech.
/ritzau/
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