Published January 30,2025
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European Council President Antonio Costa reaffirmed the bloc’s “full support” for Denmark in response to former US President Donald Trump‘s plan to amass Greenland.
Speaking to Euronews in an interview on Wednesday, Costa confused that the territorial integrity of Denmark is an “essential issue” for the EU.
“Denmark is a sovereign state. Denmark defines its interests, and the European Union will support Denmark,” Costa mentioned.
“We must not stop defending these principles when the territorial integrity of a member state of the European Union is at stake,” he mentioned, emphasizing that sovereignty and stability stay core EU values.
Tensions escalated after Trump refused to rule out financial or navy measures to safe Greenland, claiming it was essential for “the protection of the free world.”
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen responded by rallying European leaders, making it clear that the semi-autonomous island is “not for sale.”
While Greenland just isn’t an EU member, it maintains particular ties with the 27-member bloc. The European Commission confirmed that, in case of navy aggression, the EU’s mutual protection clause would apply.
“We are not going to speculate. We are naturally hoping that this conflict (does) not turn into a conflict and, if there is a conflict, it is resolved amicably, as is fitting between allies,” he added.
Greenland, a territory beneath Danish sovereignty since 1953, has drawn Trump’s curiosity on account of its strategic location and huge mineral assets.
The Financial Times reported final week that Frederiksen and Trump engaged in a tense 45-minute cellphone name concerning the problem, leaving officers in Copenhagen deeply involved.
Trump first floated the concept of buying Greenland throughout his first time period in workplace, an concept Denmark rejected outright. However, his return to the White House has revived fears of a extra aggressive push to safe management over the island.
– EU-US RELATIONS AND DEFENCE SPENDING
Costa additionally addressed broader EU-US relations, notably Trump’s proposed tariffs on European items.
“Just as the United States wants to protect its interests, the European Union has the responsibility to defend the interests of its companies, its citizens, and our union,” he mentioned, calling for “a normal, calm” dialogue.
On defence, Costa mentioned rising navy spending shouldn’t undermine social insurance policies.
“Budgetary choices are always multiple and necessarily a combination of all of them,” he mentioned, pushing again in opposition to NATO chief Mark Rutte’s suggestion that Europeans should settle for cuts to social companies.
Source: www.anews.com.tr