Brussels: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen affirmed on Wednesday that the European Union prefers dialogue and cooperation with the United States in addressing escalating geopolitical challenges, but is ready to act "with unity, speed and determination" if unilateral measures are imposed that could harm its strategic interests, particularly with regard to Arctic security.
According to Kuwait News Agency, this statement was made during a speech delivered by von der Leyen before the European Parliament's plenary session on the future of Europe amid growing geopolitical tensions and continuous threats to the rules-based international order. Von der Leyen highlighted that the world is witnessing "seismic and permanent" shifts in the international order, with changes occurring at a pace unseen in recent decades. She emphasized that Europe is now navigating a world dominated by "raw power balances," whether economic, military, or technological.
In terms of relations with the United States, von der Leyen underscored that Europe and its American partners are aligned in their strategic assessment of Arctic security, working closely within the framework of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). She mentioned Finland's cooperation with the United States on icebreakers and the recent military exercises led by Denmark to bolster the Alliance's readiness in the Arctic region.
Von der Leyen stated, "We are allies, we work together, and we share the same vision for Arctic security. Therefore, the threat to impose additional tariffs for security reasons is completely wrong." She warned against a "dangerous spiral of escalation between allies," asserting that such tensions would only benefit common adversaries seeking to destabilize international order.
European leaders, she explained, will soon deliberate on potential responses to these developments. While Europe prefers dialogue and consensus-based solutions, it remains fully prepared to act when necessary, upholding unity, urgency, and determination. Von der Leyen stressed that Europe must build greater strategic autonomy, not only economically but also in security, defense, and technology, to influence its international environment effectively.
European independence, she added, does not equate to distancing from allies, particularly the United States. Instead, it means strengthening Europe's ability to partner from a "position of strength and balance," thereby enhancing shared transatlantic security.