Von der Leyen: It is time to build a new, independent Europe
Washington, January 20 (Hibya) – European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in her speech at the 56th World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, that geopolitical shocks should be seen as “an opportunity for Europe,” adding, “It is time to seize this opportunity and build a new, independent Europe.”
Von der Leyen underlined that the “seismic change” the world is witnessing is an opportunity to build “a new form of European independence,” stressing that this need is not new and is not “a reaction to recent events,” but rather “a structural necessity that has existed for much longer.”
Addressing the Greenland issue directly, Von der Leyen said Europe is “fully determined” when it comes to Arctic security, adding, “We share the objectives of the United States on this matter.”
Stating that Arctic security can only be ensured together, Von der Leyen therefore said that the additional tariffs proposed by Trump are “a mistake.”
Referring to the US-EU trade agreement reached last July, she said, “A deal is a deal. When friends shake hands, it must mean something.”
However, she emphasized that Europe’s response would be “unwavering, united, and proportionate.”
Von der Leyen added that the European Union stands in “full solidarity” with Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark, and that their sovereignty is “not negotiable.”
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