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From Trump’s claims on Greenland to trade, Ukraine and Gaza, European leaders reaffirm unity, firmness and readiness to defend EU interests
The European Union emerged unusually united from an extraordinary European Council convened in Brussels to address mounting tensions over Greenland and renewed pressure from former US President Donald Trump. The emergency summit, which lasted around five hours, was called in response to Trump’s remarks on Greenland and his threats of new tariffs against countries willing to deploy military contingents. When leaders left the Europa Building without the customary press conferences, it was a clear signal that a common line had been agreed behind closed doors and would be communicated only through the voices of European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
At the core of the EU’s message was a reaffirmation of its ability and determination to protect itself. “The European Union will continue to defend its interests and protect itself, its Member States, its citizens and its companies from any form of coercion,” Costa said in his oral conclusions. “It has the power and the tools to do so, and it will use them if and when necessary.” At the same time, he stressed that Brussels remains open to constructive engagement with Washington, particularly on shared priorities such as working towards a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
On Greenland, von der Leyen explained that the EU’s approach has been guided by four key principles: firmness, openness, preparedness and unity. “This approach has proven effective,” she said, pointing to the rapid convergence of positions among member states in the days leading up to the summit. European leaders had already signalled calm and a willingness to engage in dialogue with the US administration, while keeping all options on the table—including the use of trade defence instruments, often referred to as the EU’s commercial “bazooka,” if pressure were to escalate.
The summit took place the day after Trump reignited the Greenland issue at the World Economic Forum in Davos, prompting concern across European capitals. Although tensions had partially eased following an intervention by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, the unpredictability of the former US president continues to worry EU leaders. Still, diplomatic sources expressed satisfaction with how swiftly the Union managed to craft a unified response. “Everyone agrees on everything,” several officials said, suggesting an unusually smooth internal discussion.
Beyond Greenland, the extraordinary Council addressed a range of sensitive geopolitical and economic dossiers. One of them was the long-delayed EU–Mercosur trade agreement, which has returned to the spotlight after the European Parliament voted to refer it to the Court of Justice, effectively freezing its application for another 18 to 24 months. While procedural questions remain, Costa was clear on the political stance of the Council. He recalled that member states had already authorised the Commission not only to sign the agreement but also to proceed with its provisional application. “This is the position of the Council,” he said, urging the Commission to act on that mandate despite parliamentary resistance.
The Middle East was another point of discussion, particularly Trump’s proposal for a “Board of Peace” for Gaza. Costa voiced strong reservations about the initiative, citing concerns over its mandate, governance and compatibility with the UN Charter. While the EU remains open to cooperating with the United States on a broader peace plan for Gaza, Costa stressed that any transitional administration must be fully aligned with UN Security Council Resolution 2803. The message was one of cautious engagement, coupled with insistence on international legality.
Ukraine remained central to the summit’s agenda. Von der Leyen announced that the EU is close to reaching an agreement with both Washington and Kyiv on a comprehensive “prosperity plan” for Ukraine’s reconstruction. The plan is structured around five pillars: boosting productivity through business-friendly reforms and greater market competition; accelerating Ukraine’s integration into the EU single market; significantly increasing investment, notably through the already operational Ukraine Investment Framework; strengthening donor coordination via the Ukraine Donor Platform; and advancing fundamental reforms to reinforce the rule of law, fight corruption and modernise public administration. Trust, von der Leyen emphasised, is the cornerstone for attracting both public and private investment.
Even as the EU leaders were meeting in Brussels, Trump returned to the Greenland issue overnight, telling reporters that the United States “can do whatever it wants” under existing agreements. The remarks underscored the fragility of the situation and the potential for renewed confrontation.
Against this backdrop, the extraordinary European Council sent a clear signal. Faced with external pressure and geopolitical uncertainty, the EU is determined to act with unity and resolve, defending its strategic interests while keeping channels for dialogue open. For Brussels, Greenland has become more than a regional dispute: it is a test of Europe’s capacity to stand together in an increasingly volatile international landscape.
Alessandro Fiorentino