European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa have sent a joint statement to the US President-elect Donald Trump and X owner Elon Musk.
In their statement on X on January 9, they reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to defending its citizens and fundamental democratic values . They also emphasised the importance of maintaining a strong relationship between Europe and the US.
Both highlighted that Washington remained “one of the EU’s closest partners”.
They stressed the need to strengthen “democratic values”, promote “a more sustainable economy” and foster the “global network of partnerships”, adding that the EU would continue to protect the integrity of its democracies and freedoms.
The US is one of our closest partners and we are committed to strengthening the Transatlantic bond.
For the EU it is essential to protect and strengthen our fundamental democratic values, make our economy more competitive and sustainable, expand our global network of…
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) January 9, 2025
Thie statement came at a tense moment, marked by Trump’s interest in acquiring Greenland, the huge autonomous territory of Denmark in the Arctic.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and the French Government have described Trump’s stance on the Arctic island as “imperialist”.
On January 9, during the daily EC press conference, EU foreign affairs spokesperson Anitta Hipper pointed out that Denmark was a a key member of the bloc and close ally of the US.
She also reiterated what she called the EU’s respect for national sovereignty and the importance of maintaining transatlantic co-operation in areas such as global security and addressing challenges posed by Russia, North Korea and Iran.
Tensions have been further heightened by recent actions by Trump ally Musk. The US tech billionaire has expressed support for the German hard-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
On January 9, he took part in a controversial podcast conversation on X with Alice Weidel, leader of AfD and candidate for chancellor in the upcoming German general elections in February.
He has also launched a barrage of online attacks against the UK Government and its Prime Minister Kier Starmer.
Musk’s comments have drawn criticism from many in the the EU and elsewhere, with his behaviour being viewed as political “interference”.
Italy’s potential use of Elon Musk’s SpaceX’s Starlink satellite service for strategic communications has raised concerns among opposition figures over a possible risk to national security. https://t.co/Ur2P8rR3OH
— Brussels Signal (@brusselssignal) January 10, 2025
