EU leaders call for goodwill and mutual respect in relations with US

EU leaders have underscored the need for goodwill and mutual respect in relations with the United States following an extraordinary informal meeting of the European Council that concluded overnight from January 22 to January 23.

As a result of the discussions, EU member state leaders adopted oral conclusions on EU–US relations. The document was released under the signature of EU Secretary-General António Costa, according to Ukrainian media.

The summit, held on January 22, focused on the state of transatlantic ties. EU leaders agreed that relations with the US should be grounded in mutual respect and constructive engagement. The conclusions note that Europe and the US share common security interests, including in the Arctic region, through cooperation within NATO. “The European Union and the United States have long been partners and allies... We believe that relations between partners and allies should be built on goodwill and respect,” Costa said in the statement.

The document places particular emphasis on support for Denmark and Greenland, stressing that they have the right to make decisions concerning their territories without external interference. The European Union expressed full support for Denmark and Greenland on all matters related to their sovereignty.

Costa also pointed to the absence of new US tariffs on Europe as a positive development that facilitates progress on the EU–US trade agreement. He said the EU will now concentrate on implementing the agreement. “The introduction of additional tariffs would be incompatible with the trade agreement between the EU and the US. Now our attention should be focused on advancing the implementation of this agreement,” the document states.

At the same time, the EU reaffirmed its readiness to defend its interests using all available instruments and powers. The bloc said it would continue to work with the US on Ukraine and other international issues. EU leaders also voiced reservations about the charter of the Peace Council proposed by the US, saying they are prepared to cooperate with Washington only if the Council operates strictly within the framework of a United Nations Security Council resolution.

“We are ready to work together with the US on the implementation of a comprehensive Peace Plan for Gaza, provided that the Peace Council fulfills its mission as a transitional administration in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2803,” the conclusions warn.

Looking ahead, EU leaders are scheduled to meet again on February 12 in Brussels, where discussions will focus on strengthening the Single Market in a new geo-economic context.

Previously, on the sidelines of the EU leaders’ summit on December 22, French President Emmanuel Macron said he wants Europe to be respected, warning that the European Union would take decisive action if that respect is not shown.