DAVOS, Jan 20 (KUNA) -- President of the European Commission (EC) Ursula von der Leyen stressed on Tuesday that the current "geopolitical shocks" are forcing Europe to reassess its role on the global stage and accelerate the "building of comprehensive European independence." In her opening speech at the World Economic Forum taking place in Davos, Switzerland, Von Der Leyen announced that the European Union is preparing to launch a "new security strategy later this year, including an update of its Arctic strategy." She said that the profound transformations in the international system make it necessary to build "a new form of European independence," spanning security, economy defence and democracy.
Von der Leyen underlined that the issue of Greenland touches the core of three key European priorities; partnerships, prosperity and security.
She stressed that Arctic security is a strategic priority for the European Union and "an objective we share with the United States," noting that the sovereignty of Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark and their territorial integrity are non-negotiable.
She also announced that the EU is working on a comprehensive Arctic security support package based on four main pillars, most notably boosting European investment in Greenland to support the local economy and infrastructure alongside intensified security cooperation with regional partners.
Von der Leyen also said Europe intends to increase defence investments related to Arctic capabilities and to work with allies such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Norway and Iceland to strengthen common security in the region.
She emphasized the importance of Europe transatlantic cooperation as a cornerstone of global security and stability while criticizing the imposition of additional tariffs between allies, describing them as "a mistake" that could trigger an escalation spiral benefiting only common adversaries.
Von der Leyen affirmed that any EU response would be "united, firm and proportionate if necessary," and highlighted the importance of dialogue and strategic coordination with the United States, particularly on security the Arctic and support for Ukraine.
She also underscored the importance of building a "genuine European Energy Union based on reliable domestic sources; both nuclear and renewable, to reduce external dependencies," noting that energy security is a fundamental pillar of economic growth and political independence.
She added that the EU has made tangible progress in expanding its global trade partnerships, recalling the signing of the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement after 25 years of negotiations.
The EC chief further declared the intention of EU to stipulate new trade agreements with several countries, including India, Australia and partners in Asia and Latin America. (end) imk.hm