Von der Leyen declares Denmark’s and Greenland’s sovereignty “non-negotiable” in Davos and unveils a global trade push to reduce dependence on the United States
Soldecanarias.net
The European Union raised its political tone toward the United States on Tuesday without resorting to direct confrontation. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered a clear message: the territorial integrity of Denmark and Greenland is not up for negotiation, while confirming a strategic shift aimed at strengthening the bloc’s economic and commercial independence.
Measured in style but firm in substance, von der Leyen avoided responding to the rhetoric of U.S. President Donald Trump with immediate countermeasures. Instead, she outlined a reconfiguration of Europe’s trade alliances as a way to reduce exposure to unilateral decisions from Washington.
The Commission president announced that the EU is close to finalizing a free trade agreement with India, which would create a potential market of nearly two billion people. She confirmed she will travel to the Asian country this weekend to advance negotiations that still face unresolved issues but are based, she stressed, on reciprocity and balanced market access.
This ambitious project will add to the recently concluded agreement with Mercosur and will serve as a template for expanding the EU’s global trade network, including ongoing talks with countries in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. The goal, she explained, is to consolidate Europe as an autonomous economic player capable of diversifying risks and gaining room for maneuver in an increasingly volatile international environment.
On the geopolitical front, von der Leyen reaffirmed Danish sovereignty over Greenland, a sensitive issue following recent statements from Washington. While extending an offer of cooperation with the United States on Arctic security, she made it clear that any challenge to territorial sovereignty is a red line for the European Union.
The Commission president also warned that the EU would respond in a “firm, united and proportionate” manner to any potential imposition of new tariffs by the United States. However, she questioned the likelihood of a renewed trade escalation between allies, recalling the commitments reached over the past year to stabilize transatlantic relations.
With her Davos speech, von der Leyen portrayed a Europe determined to defend its political sovereignty, diversify its economic partnerships and strengthen its global standing, without abandoning dialogue but making clear that cooperation has limits when core principles are at stake.
