The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, reiterated today that the threat of additional tariffs for security reasons is simply wrong.
'Europe fully prepared to act if necessary': EU Prez Ursula counters Trump’s tariff threats. (IANS)
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, reiterated today that the threat of additional tariffs for security reasons is simply wrong. Her comments come amid rising friction with the United States for mounting trade pressure due to President Donald Trump’s punitive tariffs.
During her speech at the European Parliament, Von der Leyen insisted that Europe always looks forward to discussions to resolve issues. However, she asserted that the European Union is fully prepared to take action if needed.
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“We are at a crossroads. Europe prefers dialogue and solutions – but we are fully prepared to act, if necessary, with unity, urgency and determination,” she said.
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Donald Trump has threatened to impose additional tariffs on European nations from 01 February if they obstruct his quest to acquire Greenland. He has intensified his bid to seize control of Greenland from Denmark, a Nato ally, prompting the European Union to consider possible countermeasures.
During her address, the EU chief acknowledged the shift in the international order and underlined that “the shift is not only seismic but it is permanent.” Highlighting that the world is presently defined by raw power, Von der Leyen affirmed that it’s “imperative” for Europe to “speed up its push for independence” and get “new levers of power.”
“This moment of global change is fraught with dangers. And Europe must be ready to change even faster. To become more independent. For its own future,” she noted.
This moment of global change is fraught with dangers.
And Europe must be ready to change even faster.
To become more independent. For its own future ↓ https://t.co/LwlxjFLhZX
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) January 21, 2026
Von der Leyen further said that the European Union has called a meeting tomorrow to discuss its response to the tariff threats by US President Trump.
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