EU chief Ursula von der Leyen warns US tariffs would trigger downward spiral harming Western rivals.
Von der Leyen: Tariffs Lead Nowhere
During her speech in Davos, Ursula von der Leyen used a sharper tone than before. She stated that US tariffs threaten to drag Western nations into a downward spiral that would only benefit geopolitical rivals.
The European Commission president emphasized that the EU’s response will be “firm, united and proportional.”
Solidarity with Greenland and Denmark
Von der Leyen strongly emphasized EU support for Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark regarding Arctic tensions, noting that “sovereignty and territorial integrity are non-negotiable.”
She announced plans for a “massive European investment impulse” for Greenland and assured cooperation with the US and other partners on Arctic security.
“An Agreement is an Agreement”
Addressing Donald Trump directly, Von der Leyen called additional tariffs between long-term allies a mistake. She reminded that the EU and US signed a trade agreement last July.
“In politics, as in business, an agreement is an agreement,” she stated. “When friends shake hands, it must mean something.”
Russia and Ukraine: “This Must End”
The European Commission president strongly criticized Russia for continuing aggression against Ukraine, noting Moscow shows no peace signs and intensifies attacks on civilian infrastructure.
“Russia kills civilians every day. This must end,” she emphasized. Von der Leyen assured EU support for Ukraine “as long as necessary” until just peace is achieved, while acknowledging Trump’s role in peace efforts.
New Europe in a New World
Arguing the world has changed permanently, Von der Leyen announced plans for a new European security strategy and an updated Arctic strategy.
“Sovereign nations decide their own future,” she stressed. “The world has changed permanently. We too must change.”
