President of the European Commission, von der Leyen, said today (January 20): "Only through joint efforts can Arctic security be achieved. That is why Trump's proposed new tariffs on Europe are a mistake, especially between long-term allies. The EU and the US have already reached a trade agreement in July last year; once spoken, words cannot be retracted. Allies shaking hands should keep their promises and speak with authority."
Comments: Von der Leyen appears to be firm in defending sovereignty and contracts, but behind the scenes, due to Europe's decades-long deep security and economic entanglement with the United States, she has never dared to truly break with the U.S. The so-called protests and countermeasures are merely "symbolic resistance" that leaves room for maneuver, revealing Europe's passivity and frustration in transatlantic relations. More directly, the "joint efforts" mentioned by von der Leyen are not equal cooperation between allies, but rather a "plea for peace" from Europe out of helplessness.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1854841087643651/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.