EU Chief Says "Large-Scale Investment in Greenland... Trump's Additional Tariffs Are a 'Mistake'"

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, has declared that the European Union (EU) will make large-scale investments in Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark. This move is being interpreted as a response to U.S. President Donald Trump's expressed intention to annex Greenland.

On January 20 (local time), President von der Leyen stated during her speech at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, that "Europe is working to significantly expand investments in Greenland."

She also emphasized that the EU "will cooperate with the United States and all partners for broader Arctic security," adding, "This is in our shared interest, and we will strengthen our investments."

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. Photo by Yonhap News

Without presenting specific figures, she explained that part of the currently increasing defense budget could be allocated to European icebreaker capabilities and other equipment essential for Arctic security.

She also issued a warning regarding the United States imposing punitive tariffs on Europe’s long-standing allies, citing conflicts over Greenland as the reason.

She reminded the audience that "in politics, just as in business, an agreement is an agreement. When friends shake hands, it must have meaning," referring to the trade agreement reached between the United States and Europe last year.

She went on to describe President Trump's plan to impose additional tariffs on Europe as a "mistake," and stated that Europe would respond to President Trump's repeated threats in a "firm, united, and proportionate" manner.

She expressed concern that "pushing us into a downward spiral will only serve to help the very adversarial forces that both sides have sought to exclude from the strategic stage."

The EU leadership convened an emergency summit in Brussels on January 22, after the United States not only hinted at the possible use of force against NATO allies in pursuit of Greenland's annexation, but also announced additional tariffs on eight European countries opposed to the move.