European Council President Antonio Costa pointed out that the European Union and the United States have long been partners and allies, that they have a common interest in the security of the Arctic region by working together through NATO, and welcomed the American withdrawal of the decision to introduce additional tariffs on some EU members.
In a statement after last night's informal meeting of the European Council members, convened to assess relations between Brussels and Washington following US President Donald Trump's tariff threats, Košta stressed that the EU and the US have built a transatlantic community established through history, based on shared values and dedicated to the prosperity and security of their peoples, according to a statement from the European Council.
He stressed that the EU believes that relations between partners and allies should be conducted in a cordial manner, with respect.
"Europe and the US have a common interest in the security of the Arctic region, specifically working through NATO. The European Union will also play a stronger role in that area," said Košta.
He added that in this context he wants to clearly emphasize that the Kingdom of Denmark and Greenland have the full support of the EU and that only they can decide on issues that concern them.
"This is a reflection of our firm commitment to the principles of international law, territorial integrity and national sovereignty, which are of fundamental importance for Europe and for the international community as a whole," said Košta, emphasizing that these principles will continue to guide the EU's actions.
In this sense, he emphasized that yesterday's announcement that there will be no new US tariffs on Europe is positive.
"Imposing additional tariffs would be incompatible with the EU-US trade agreement. We must now focus on moving forward with the implementation of that agreement, with the goal remaining the effective stabilization of trade relations between the European Union and the US," said Košta.
He pointed out that the EU will continue to defend its own interests and defend itself, its member states, citizens and companies from any form of coercion.
"She has the power and the means to do it and will do it if and when necessary," said Košta.
He stressed that, looking to the future, the European Union will continue to cooperate constructively with the US on all issues of common interest, including "creating the conditions for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine."
Košta also referred to the Peace Committee that US President Donald Trump formed yesterday, assessing that the EU has "serious doubts" regarding this body.
"We have serious doubts about several elements in the Peace Committee's charter relating to its scope, governance and compliance with the UN Charter," said Košta.
He added that the EU is ready to work with the US on the implementation of a comprehensive peace plan for Gaza, with a Peace Committee that would carry out its mission as an interim administration, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2803.
The Peace Council, launched by US President Donald Trump yesterday on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, was originally conceived as a small group of world leaders to oversee peace implementation and reconstruction in the Gaza Strip, but was later expanded into a broader initiative that some European countries believe will undermine the United Nations.
Košta recalled that the European Union is focused on delivering an "ambitious agenda for its citizens" in the areas of defense, competitiveness, and building a more strategically autonomous Europe, and said that the next meeting of Union leaders, on February 12, will be a strategic discussion dedicated to strengthening the single market in the new geoeconomic context.
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