Brussels, Belgium. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the United States wants to “divide Europe” and does not “like the European Union,” according to an interview published by the Financial Times on Friday. Her comments come after more than a year of turmoil in transatlantic relations.
Kallas comments on U.S. approach to the EU
Kallas told the Financial Times that the U.S. had been clear about seeking to divide Europe and disliking the European Union. She said the United States’ approach to the EU echoed tactics used by the bloc’s adversaries, the newspaper reported.
Trump targets EU with tariffs and trade investigations
The Financial Times interview was published as U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly targeted the EU in his second term, including imposing tariffs on member countries and others and discussing annexing Greenland, a move that could effectively end the NATO alliance.
This week, the Trump administration launched trade investigations into the EU and other countries, including China, India, Japan, South Korea and Mexico, over what it said were unfair trade practices. Under the investigation, the countries could face new tariffs by this summer, after the U.S. Supreme Court tore down much of Trump’s tariff program last month.
Call for a unified EU response and increased defence investment
Kallas said EU countries should not seek to deal with Trump bilaterally and should instead engage collectively, saying they are equal powers when acting together, the Financial Times reported.
On defence, Kallas said the bloc needed to buy from the United States because Europe lacks required assets and capabilities, while also saying Europe should invest in its own defence industry.
How should EU countries balance collective diplomacy with bilateral ties in dealing with the United States?
