Harsh warning from Brussels: Kaja Kallas claims “US wants to divide Europe. They don't like EU”
The head of European diplomacy claims that Washington is trying to weaken EU unity, in the context of growing tensions between the two sides of the Atlantic.
Kaja Kallas claims that Washington is trying to weaken EU unity PHOTO: EPA EFE
Relations between the United States and the European Union remain strained after more than a year of political and trade disputes. In an interview published by the Financial Times on Friday, the head of EU diplomacy, Kaja Kallas, said that Washington is trying to divide Europe and that it does not look favorably on the EU bloc.
“What I think is really important for everyone to understand is that the US has been very clear: they want to divide Europe. They don't like the European Union”Kallas said to the British publication, according to Reuters.
The statements come in the context in which US President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized the European Union in his second term. The White House leader has imposed tariffs on several member states and other major economies, while at the same time relaunching the idea of annexing Greenland – an initiative that could seriously affect relations within the NATO alliance.
Trade investigations against the EU and other major economies
This week, the Trump administration launched new trade investigations targeting the European Union and other countries, including China, India, Japan, South Korea and Mexico. Washington accuses these states of unfair trade practices.
According to the investigation, the affected countries could be subject to new tariffs by this summer. The decision comes after the US Supreme Court last month struck down much of the tariff program previously promoted by Donald Trump.
In the interview given to the Financial Times, Kaja Kallas stated that the attitude of the United States towards the European Union resembles the tactics used by the opponents of the community bloc.
Call for unity in the face of Trump
The European official stressed that member states should avoid individual negotiations with Washington and act as a united bloc.
“EU countries should not seek to negotiate with Trump bilaterally, but deal with him together, because we are equal powers when we act togetherKallas stated.
At the same time, the head of European diplomacy admitted that, in the field of defense, Europe remains dependent on the United States.
“We have to buy from America because we don't have the assets, the capabilities or the capabilities that we need,” she said, also stressing that the European Union should invest more in its own defense industry.
