European Council President António Costa said relations between partners and allies should be governed by friendship and respect, following the conclusion of the emergency European Council in Brussels on transatlantic relations.
Costa underlined the historically built relationship between the European Union and the United States, stressing the importance of managing it responsibly.
Arctic security and Denmark–Greenland support
Referring to the decisions taken at the informal meeting, Costa said Europe and the United States share a common interest in Arctic security, primarily through NATO.
He noted that the EU’s role in the region will be strengthened, while stressing that only the Kingdom of Denmark and Greenland can decide on matters concerning them. The EU, he said, is guided by the principles of international law, territorial integrity and national sovereignty.
No new US tariffs, focus on trade stability
Costa described as “positive” the announcement that there will be no new US tariffs on Europe, noting that such measures would be incompatible with the EU–US trade agreement.
On EU–US relations more broadly, he said the objective remains the effective stabilisation of bilateral trade relations.
He added that the European Union will continue to defend its interests and protect itself, its member states, citizens and businesses from any form of coercion, stressing that the EU has both the strength and the tools to act whenever necessary.
Von der Leyen: EU in a stronger position
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU is “clearly in a better position than it was 24 hours ago”, noting that important lessons were drawn from the Union’s collective strategy.
She highlighted unequivocal solidarity with Greenland and Denmark, as well as firm support for the six member states that had been threatened with tariffs.
Four pillars of the EU approach
Von der Leyen said the EU engaged actively with the United States at multiple levels, acting firmly but without escalation, while remaining well prepared with trade countermeasures and other tools.
She outlined four core pillars guiding the EU’s approach: firmness, engagement, preparedness and unity.
Greenland, Arctic investment and defence
The Commission President said the EU has already proposed doubling financial support for Greenland under the next long-term EU budget. A proposal for a substantial investment package will be presented in the near future.
She added that the EU should use increased defence spending to invest in Arctic-appropriate equipment, such as a European icebreaker, and strengthen security and defence agreements with regional partners including the United Kingdom, Canada, Norway and Iceland.
On Arctic security, von der Leyen said discussions are currently taking place within the NATO framework, while stressing that the issue is also of the highest importance to the European Union.
De-escalation and unity in response to US threats
Asked about the EU’s response to US threats and its choice of non-escalation in dealing with statements by US President Donald Trump, Costa said the EU is being very honest with its friends and allies, insisting that relations must be managed with friendship and respect, while remaining firm on principles.
Von der Leyen said the EU succeeded by remaining determined without escalating tensions and, above all, by maintaining strong unity.
Next steps on the EU agenda
Costa referred to the EU’s ambitious agenda focused on defence, competitiveness and a more strategically autonomous Europe.
He said these issues will be discussed at the next European Council summit on 12 February, which will focus on strengthening the Single Market within a new geo-economic framework.