Von der Leyen Warns Trump: EU Response Will Be ‘Unflinching’

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, von der Leyen portrayed Trump’s recent actions as a defining moment for Europe’s economic and security strategy, urging the EU to adapt to a permanently changed global order.

Greenland Sovereignty and Arctic Security

Von der Leyen directly addressed Trump’s repeated statements about purchasing or annexing Greenland, stressing that the self-governing Danish territory’s status cannot be challenged.

She said “Greenland’s sovereignty is non-negotiable,” adding that “Arctic security can only be achieved together.”
The Commission president emphasized that Europe would show full solidarity with Greenland and Denmark.

She also announced plans for a major increase in European engagement on the island, stating that “we are working on a massive European investment surge in Greenland,” and that the EU would work closely with local authorities to support economic development.

Tariff Threats Deepen Transatlantic Rift

Trump has vowed to impose punitive tariffs on six EU countries, the UK and Norway, threatening an additional 10 percent levy from February 1 unless Europe abandons opposition to his Greenland plans.

Von der Leyen warned that Europe would respond decisively, saying “our response will be unflinching, united and proportional.”
She described the proposed tariffs as a serious error, noting that “this is why the proposed additional tariffs are a mistake, especially between long-standing allies.”

In a veiled rebuke to Trump, von der Leyen said Europe’s partnership is with the American people and urged Washington to honor existing trade commitments.

She recalled last summer’s EU–U.S. trade agreement, stressing that “in politics as in business, a deal is a deal,” and adding that “when friends shake hands, it must mean something.”

EU Divisions Over How to Respond

Within the EU, views remain divided over the best response to Trump’s confrontational approach. France has called for deploying the bloc’s Anti-Coercion Instrument to restrict U.S. firms’ access to the single market, while other member states have urged caution, restraint and dialogue to avoid escalation.

‘The Old Order Is Dead’

Von der Leyen said Trump’s actions signal a fundamental break in transatlantic relations, warning that Europe can no longer rely on past assumptions.

She declared that “the old order is dead,” adding that “nostalgia will not bring back the old order, and hoping things will revert will not fix our structural dependencies.”
According to von der Leyen, if global change is permanent, Europe must adapt permanently as well.

She described the current transformation as both unavoidable and necessary, saying “the seismic change we are going through today is an opportunity in fact, a necessity to build a new form of European independence.”

Global Trade Alliances and Strategic Shift

As Washington retreats from multilateral frameworks, von der Leyen highlighted Europe’s growing network of global partners. She pointed to the recently finalized EU–Mercosur trade deal and ongoing negotiations with Mexico, Indonesia and India.

While acknowledging that talks with India still face hurdles, she said Europe and New Delhi are close to what could become the largest trade agreement the EU has ever concluded, calling it the “mother” of all trade deals.

She summed up Europe’s global outlook by saying “Europe will always choose the world, and the world is ready to choose Europe.”

Commitment to Ukraine

Von der Leyen also reaffirmed the EU’s position on Ukraine, stressing that Europe’s support will continue.

She said “Europe will always stand with Ukraine until there is a just and lasting peace.”