Davos, Switzerland | January 20: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has cautioned the United States against imposing fresh tariffs on European allies amid tensions surrounding Greenland, warning that such a step could damage decades-old transatlantic relationships.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos on Tuesday, von der Leyen described the idea of additional trade penalties as counterproductive, particularly between long-standing partners.
“The proposed additional tariffs are a mistake, especially between long-standing allies,” she said.
Emphasising the importance of trust in international agreements, the EU chief reminded that both sides had already reached a trade understanding last year.
“The European Union and the United States agreed to a trade deal last July. And in politics as in business, a deal is a deal. And when friends shake hands, it must mean something,” von der Leyen added.
Background: Trump’s Greenland Warning
Her remarks come a day after US President Donald Trump stated that he would “100 per cent” move ahead with tariffs on European nations if negotiations over Greenland fail. Trump has renewed efforts to expand US control over Greenland, which currently falls under Denmark, a NATO ally—raising concerns across Europe.
EU Offers Cooperation on Arctic Security
Despite the sharp rhetoric, von der Leyen struck a conciliatory tone by offering cooperation with Washington, particularly on Arctic security, a region growing in strategic and economic importance.
“We are working on a massive European investment surge in Greenland,” she said.
“We will work with the United States and all partners on wider Arctic security. This is clearly in our shared interest.”
Europe’s Strategic Shift
Linking the Greenland issue to broader global changes, von der Leyen stressed that Europe must adapt to a new geopolitical reality by strengthening its independence and security planning.
“Europe must speed up its push for independence — the world has changed permanently, we need to change with it,” she said, adding that the EU is upgrading both its security framework and Arctic strategy.
With Trump’s renewed push triggering unease within NATO and the EU, European leaders are now weighing diplomatic and economic responses to protect their strategic interests while keeping dialogue open.
Disclaimer
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