European Council President António Costa has announced plans to convene an extraordinary meeting of EU leaders in response to recent developments concerning Greenland, underlining the bloc’s unity on international law, transatlantic relations and regional security.
Emergency summit expected on 22 January
António Costa confirmed that he is preparing to call an extraordinary session of the European Council to address rising tensions linked to Greenland. The most likely date for the meeting is 22 January.
In his announcement, Costa stressed the EU’s firm position that tariffs would damage relations between Europe and the United States and are incompatible with the EU–US trade agreement.
Tariffs incompatible with EU–US trade agreement
“The EU remains strongly committed to the view that tariffs would undermine transatlantic relations and are incompatible with the EU–US trade agreement,” Costa said, while also highlighting the Union’s “readiness to defend ourselves against any form of coercion”.
Full statement by the European Council President
In a detailed message, Costa outlined the conclusions of his consultations with EU member states on the Greenland issue:
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Unity around the principles of international law, territorial integrity and national sovereignty
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Unity in support of and solidarity with Denmark and Greenland
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Recognition of the shared transatlantic interest in peace and security in the Arctic, particularly through cooperation with NATO
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A shared assessment that tariffs would undermine transatlantic relations and are incompatible with the EU–US trade agreement
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Readiness to defend ourselves against any form of coercion
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Readiness to continue constructive cooperation with the United States on all matters of common interest
Strengthening coordination
“Given the significance of recent developments and in order to strengthen coordination, I have decided to convene an extraordinary meeting of the European Council in the coming days,” Costa concluded.
The extraordinary summit is expected to focus on Arctic security, EU unity and the broader implications for transatlantic relations.