Europe must be more clear-eyed in a harsher world and act according to its interests, including with Donald Trump’s America, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated on Tuesday.
"Europe must face the world as it is," she said in a speech to EU ambassadors in Brussels. Decisions should be based on calculated judgement, not emotion or nostalgia for a bygone era, she added.
Some may not like this tougher reality, which is more based on give-and-take, von der Leyen acknowledged.
US President Donald Trump has destabilised international cooperation by threatening tariffs on several countries, including EU Member States. He also suggested annexing Greenland, which is under Denmark’s sovereignty, a NATO and EU member.
"In this context, we must engage, and we will likely have to engage in difficult negotiations, even with long-standing partners," the Commission President stated. "We will be ready for tough negotiations if necessary," she continued.
Europe must send this message to its partners: "If there are mutual benefits, we are ready to engage with you," she added.
EU leaders, meeting on Monday in Brussels, warned Trump they are prepared to respond if tariffs are imposed on their exports to the US.
However, von der Leyen emphasised the importance of maintaining a good balance to avoid a trade war, "which is in no one’s interest."
