Addressing the Plenary Session, the President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola said that the measures threatened by the United States’ administration will not help improve security in the Arctic.
Colleagues, The last days have also seen increased pressure on Denmark and Greenland. We will debate this later this week, but it is important to say this: The European Union supports Denmark and the people of Greenland. We do so united in our resolve. The measures threatened over the weekend by the United States’ administration will not help improve security in the Arctic. In fact, they risk the opposite. Greenland and Denmark have both made clear that Greenland is not for sale and their sovereignty and territorial integrity need to be respected. That fact will not change. When we welcomed the Prime Minister of Greenland to this Chamber only a few months ago, we told him that when the people of Greenland look to Europe they will find understanding and partnership. I reiterate that now. Because friends, I know many here believe in the transatlantic relationship, in our partnership with the United States. I know many people in the US share that belief too. We understand the need for Europe to take on more responsibility when it comes to defence and security, including doing more to protect the Arctic, and we have boosted defence measures and spending as a result. We know that transatlantic and Arctic security can absolutely be achieved without the destabilising impact of calling Greenland and Denmark's sovereignty into question, or through measures like tariffs. We know that every serious global issue we must address is better faced when Europe and the United States act in sync with each other. Each in our own way, with our disagreements, but guided and anchored in the values, freedoms and principles that will always define our relationship, that offer stability. Europe will always be open to continue to discuss in a spirit of mutual respect. Now, I know that some will mistake our way of calm, restraint and dialogue for weakness. They are wrong. It is the opposite. We are Europe: We will always stand up for our way, rationally, confidently and deliberately and we will make no apologies for that.