At an informal summit, the EU leaders for the first time issued a ‘joint message’, emphasizing that tariff threats would be “harmful to both sides.”
(BRUSSELS = Yonhap News) Correspondent Jung Bitna: On the 3rd local time, European Union (EU) leaders urged U.S. President Donald Trump to respect international law after he expressed interest in incorporating Greenland, a territory of Denmark.
According to EU officials, the EU’s 27 member states expressed full support and solidarity with Denmark and reminded the principles of related international law at the informal summit held in Brussels, Belgium. This was the first time the EU articulated a coordinated position since President Trump announced his intention to purchase Greenland.
Despite Denmark and Greenland expressing refusal, Trump continued to state his intention to incorporate Greenland, prompting the EU to release a unified message.
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, in a Fox News interview, was asked if the U.S. might acquire Greenland. He replied, stating he believes it’s possible and that President Trump is unconcerned if Europeans are shouting at them for such actions.
Before the summit, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reiterated during a press briefing that all countries must respect each nation’s sovereignty, emphasizing that “Greenland is not for sale.”
Prime Minister Frederiksen agreed with the U.S. view that the Arctic region is becoming increasingly important but stressed that it is entirely possible to find other solutions and urged resolving issues through dialogue.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who was invited to the meeting, addressed a question about how to protect Denmark if Trump forcibly tries to acquire Greenland. He noted ongoing fruitful discussions with Denmark and all allies, agreeing with Trump that more joint efforts are needed concerning the Arctic.
The informal summit was initially meant to focus on ‘defense’ for the first time at the EU level. It was conducted as an ‘Informal retreat’, aimed at discussing various ideas for strengthening Europe’s defense capabilities, without adopting joint statements or drawing conclusions.
Alongside Secretary General Rutte, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer was invited for the first time since Brexit, fitting within this context.
However, with President Trump’s comprehensive pressure on Europe from trade to defense spending issues, the summit took on a strong “Trump countermeasure meeting” character.
Indeed, discussions included the U.S. tariff policy unrelated to the defense sector, and leaders strongly agreed that imposing tariffs between the U.S. and EU would be detrimental to both parties.
Furthermore, the leaders emphasized the longstanding partnership between the U.S. and the EU and agreed on the necessity of seeking resolutions when issues arise.