‘Sovereignty Is Not for Trade,’ Kallas Tells European Parliament
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The European Union must adopt a “realistic and principled” approach to the Arctic, guided by international law and collective security, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said during a speech at the European Parliament on Tuesday, as tensions rise over Greenland and US tariff threats.
Addressing lawmakers, Kallas defended European countries participating in a reconnaissance mission to Greenland, rejecting claims that the presence was provocative. She said the mission is intended to keep the region “safe, predictable and stable” and “poses a threat to no one,” despite a 10% tariff announced by former US President Donald Trump against participating countries.
Arctic security and international law
Kallas warned of “growing” risks in the Arctic stemming from Russia and China, stressing that such challenges should be addressed collectively with allies through NATO rather than through unilateral actions. “Geopolitical tension and geoeconomic competition in the Arctic require that the European Union, together with partners, responds,” she said, adding that the response must be grounded in international law.
“No country has the right to take over the territory of another. Not in Ukraine, not in Greenland, not anywhere in the world,” Kallas said, prompting applause from lawmakers. She noted that the EU is updating its Arctic strategy to reflect a broad approach encompassing sustainable development, social cohesion and environmental protection, underlining that “security is not only about military presence,” but also about trust, stability and people.
Greenland and tariff threats
In a later intervention focused specifically on Greenland, Kallas addressed Trump’s tariff threat directly, saying it would not alter Europe’s position. “Greenland belongs to its people. No threat or tariffs will change that. Sovereignty is not for trade,” she said. She added that the EU “stands without doubt with Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark in defence of their territorial integrity and sovereignty.”
Kallas said Trump’s remarks had created an unprecedented situation but urged restraint and unity. She welcomed direct talks between Danish, Greenlandic and American officials as a responsible step, while cautioning that the tone of discussions mattered and warning against threats made outside diplomatic channels. “Tariff threats will not pressure Denmark into handing over Greenland,” she said, adding that such measures risk making both Europe and the United States poorer and undermining shared prosperity. She concluded by saying the EU had no interest in confrontation but would “hold our ground,” noting that Europe has tools available to protect its interests.
