European Union leaders have called on US President Donald Trump to show respect after his threat to impose punitive tariffs over Greenland pushed the transatlantic alliance close to a breaking point.
Trump eased tensions on Wednesday by reversing course and supporting a long-term agreement on Arctic security, an arrangement brokered by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, rather than pursuing economic pressure.
Speaking after an extraordinary EU summit in Brussels on Thursday, European Council President António Costa stressed the importance of respectful relations between allies. He said partnerships should be managed in a cordial manner and warned that the European Union would not hesitate to defend itself if necessary. The EU, Costa said, has both the authority and the means to protect its interests, member states, citizens, and businesses from any form of coercion, and would use those tools if required.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed the message, urging the bloc to strengthen its economic position, reduce dependencies, and diversify supply chains to become more self-reliant in its relationship with the United States. She cautioned that achieving greater independence would take time and sustained effort.
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