Brussels: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called on Thursday for increased investment in Arctic security, emphasizing the need for Europe to enhance its defense capabilities with equipment such as icebreaker ships. "We have collectively underinvested in the Arctic and Arctic security. So now it is high time to step up," von der Leyen declared during a joint news conference with European Council President Antonio Costa.
According to Anadolu Agency, the remarks from von der Leyen came after a meeting of EU leaders in Brussels, which focused on developments with the United States following tensions over US President Donald Trump's interest in Greenland. The interest is largely due to Greenland's strategic Arctic position, its abundant mineral resources, and growing concerns over Russian and Chinese influence in the region.
Reaffirming the EU's commitment to enhancing its relationship with Greenland, von der Leyen stated that the European Commission will propose a "substantive package of investments." She highlighted the importance of using Europe's increasing defense spending for Arctic-ready equipment, like a European icebreaker, to deepen cooperation with the US and other partners on Arctic security.
Von der Leyen further emphasized a "real geopolitical necessity" to strengthen the bloc's security and defense arrangements with partners, including the UK, Canada, Norway, and Iceland.
Costa, for his part, reiterated that Denmark and Greenland have the full support of the European Union. He advocated for managing relationships between allies cordially and respectfully, noting the shared interest of Europe and the United States in the security of the Arctic region, particularly through NATO.
Costa hailed the US decision to refrain from imposing tariffs on European countries over the Greenland issue as a positive development, cautioning that additional tariffs would have been incompatible with the EU-US trade deal. He stressed the importance of moving forward with the implementation of the deal and stabilizing trade relations between the European Union and the US.
Furthermore, Costa emphasized the EU's resolve to defend its interests and stand up against any form of coercion, stating that the EU has the power and tools to do so when necessary. He also expressed a willingness to engage constructively with the US on all issues of common interest.
In addition to Arctic security, von der Leyen reaffirmed the EU's commitment to supporting Ukraine. She announced the deployment of 447 emergency generators to restore power to hospitals, shelters, and critical services in Ukraine this week. Von der Leyen also mentioned progress on the security and prosperity aspects of peace talks, highlighting an imminent agreement with the US and Ukraine on a unified prosperity framework to boost Ukraine's prosperity post-conflict.
She underscored that the Prosperity Framework represents a significant milestone and a strong signal to Ukraine as it prepares for a future as a modern, sovereign, and free country.
On another front, Costa expressed concerns over the 'Board of Peace,' a body intended to resolve international conflicts, starting with the Gaza Strip. He voiced doubts about the board's charter, particularly its scope, governance, and compatibility with the UN Charter. Costa affirmed the EU's readiness to collaborate with the US on implementing the comprehensive Peace Plan for Gaza, alongside the Board of Peace's mission as a transitional administration in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2803.
The 'Board of Peace' was announced by the White House last week, coinciding with the approval of a National Committee for the Administration of Gaza. This initiative is part of a 20-point plan proposed by US President Donald Trump and adopted by the UN Security Council under Resolution 2803 last November, following a ceasefire agreement halting Israel's war on Gaza.