EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has spoken out in favor of a common solution for Greenlandas FAZ editor Gerald Braunberger from the World Economic Forum reports from Davos. The European Union shares the United States’ view of defense policy requirements in the Arctic, von der Leyen said in Davos. “We view the people of the United States not just as partners, but as friends,” emphasized the Commission President. The tariffs threatened by US President Donald Trump are a mistakeespecially among decades-long partners. There is a trade agreement between the United States and the European Union. If friends shook hands, it must have a meaning.
In any case, the time has come to create a new, independent Europe. “We must view the current geopolitical change as permanent,” said von der Leyen. “Nostalgia won’t bring us back to the old order.” Therefore, the change to an independent Europe must be permanent. There is also a consensus on this today.
Von der Leyen sees the trade agreement with the Mercosur states as evidence of the European approach of fair trade instead of tariffs and to prioritize sustainable relationships over exploitation. The EU will seek trade agreements with other countries, including India and Indonesia. “Europe chooses the world, and the world chooses Europe,” emphasized von der Leyen. Europe must also defend its independence. This is shown by the sharp increase in military spending and the emergence of promising start-up companies in the industry. This would have been unimaginable some time ago.
The President of the Commission recalled the Collapse of the American-dominated Bretton Woods monetary system over half a century ago. At that time, the institutions of this international system were shaken. After initial uncertainty, Europe learned from it and came together more strongly. This experience now needs to be repeated.
