The European Union coordinates itself

The EU and NATO will become more involved in strengthening security in the Arctic region

Roxana Vasile, 23.01.2026, 14:00

At a time of heightened tensions with Washington, the leaders of the European Union member states, meeting on Thursday in an extraordinary Council, declared their solidarity with Denmark and Greenland in the context of US President Donald Trump’s claims to obtain the Arctic island by any means necessary. The European heads of state and government agreed to step up investment in its defence, in coordination with NATO. At the same time, it was decided to extend the suspension of EU tariffs on the US for six months and to initiate negotiations with the United States on the Board of Peace Charter – President Trump’s initiative – to bring it into line with international commitments.

According to Radio Romania’s correspondent in Brussels, European leaders say that relations with the United States are far too important, so they will move past the recent tensions witnessed by the whole world. However, European Council President António Costa says that the EU expects its strategic American ally to treat it with the same respect and cordiality that the Union has shown.

As for the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, she has stated that the solidarity shown by the Union towards Denmark and Greenland was very important in her discussion with Donald Trump. However, following this episode, the EU recognises that it needs to focus more on the security of the Arctic region. To this end, Ursula von der Leyen has announced a doubling of investment in Greenland, a possible European fleet of icebreakers from defence funds, and coordination with NATO to better protect the region.

Present in Brussels, President Nicuşor Dan did not rule out Romania participating as a NATO member in Alliance missions in the Arctic region in the future:

“To the extent that we are asked or agree, we will do that too, but our priority is obviously the eastern flank, because that is where the immediate threat lies.”

This is why the United States, says the president, remains an essential strategic partner for Romania’s security, an opinion shared by many EU member states. “Obviously, there has been turbulence and discontinuity in this transatlantic relationship recently, but there are sufficient reasons for it to continue and, of course, as I have said many times, dialogue is extremely important,” the head of state emphasized.

Although somewhat overshadowed, the issues of Ukraine, Gaza, and Mercosur were not overlooked at Thursday’s extraordinary European Council meeting. The European Union maintains its support for Ukraine, on the one hand, and on the other, continues discussions on security guarantees for Kyiv and on the peace plan coordinated by the Americans. Regarding Gaza, most EU member states believe that Europe should be involved in the peace process in the region. Finally, priority is also being given to implementing the provisional phase of the agreement with the Mercosur countries and negotiating trade agreements with other global players. (MI)