On January 19 local time, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, posted on X, stating that Europe has no intention of "provoking a dispute" with the United States, but will "stand firm."
Kallas believes that Arctic security is not only a common interest across the Atlantic, but also a subject that the EU and its US allies can discuss in depth. However, she explicitly opposed the US using tariffs as a means of pressure. She said, "Threatening with tariffs is not a way to solve problems, and sovereignty cannot be traded."
Kallas also warned, "The EU has no intention of provoking a dispute over this issue, but it will stand firm. Europe has a full set of measures to defend its own interests."
High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the EU, Kaja Kallas, Reuters
Trump threatened on the 17th that the US would impose a 10% tariff on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland starting February 1, and increase it to 25% from June 1. Trump stated that this tariff measure would continue to be implemented until a "comprehensive and thorough agreement" to purchase Greenland is reached.
The eight European countries subjected to the tariff issued statements on the 17th, stating that it was "unacceptable." On the same day, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel also issued a joint statement on X, stating that imposing tariffs would undermine transatlantic relations and could lead to a dangerous cycle. Europe will continue to remain united, coordinated, and committed to defending its sovereignty.
This article is an exclusive article by The Observer, and may not be reproduced without permission.
Original: toutiao.com/article/7597229515810619944/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author alone.