EU's united front should be supported to uphold postwar international order

The European Union convened an emergency meeting in Brussels on Jan 18, prompted by the United States' attempt to "obtain" Greenland and its decision to impose additional tariffs on eight European countries opposing this plan. This meeting, called by Cyprus, which assumed the EU presidency on Jan 1, was followed by an informal meeting of the leaders on Jan 22.

Notably, just before this meeting commenced, the US president announced in Davos that he would suspend the proposed tariffs. However, EU leaders, well-acquainted with the US leader's modus operandi, did not see this as a resolution to the crisis. Instead, they recognized the need for a robust response.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized the necessity for Europe to develop independent defense capabilities, while French President Emmanuel Macron stressed the importance of vigilance. EU leaders discussed various countermeasures to address the US' imperialist behavior, including "de-risking", a term often used by Washington in its China strategy.

Such remarks reveal European leaders' awareness of the dangers posed by "America First" aggression and their determination to safeguard Europe's interests. The urgency of the emergency meeting convened after the US leader had threatened, through a post on his Truth Social handle on X, to impose additional tariffs on eight European countries for their lack of cooperation on the Greenland issue underscores the gravity with which Europe views the situation. It is rare for EU leaders to convene over a social media post, especially during the Davos meeting when schedules are tight.

For the US, Greenland might appear as merely "a piece of ice" in the North Atlantic with rich resources — a territory to be acquired through intimidation or financial incentives. However, for the EU, and much of the world, Greenland symbolizes the fundamental principles of modern international relations: the inviolability of sovereignty and the indivisibility of territory. If the US were to succeed in acquiring Greenland from an EU member state through coercion or compensation, it would severely undermine the postwar international order. For the EU, built on treaties and the rule of law, such a precedent would be profoundly damaging.

The EU's foundation after World War II was based on a shared commitment to order and preventing future conflicts. Defending the postwar international order is therefore intrinsic to the EU's core interests. However, the EU's response to the US' sudden operation against Venezuela and the abduction of President Nicolas Maduro on Jan 3 was notably less united, with varied opinions on Washington's actions. This inconsistency highlights the complexity of international relations and the challenges the EU faces in maintaining a unified stance.

But with the US now focusing on Greenland, Europe has closed ranks and formed a united front. While the specific actions the EU will take to protect Greenland remain unclear, its stance is justified. This posture should serve as a signal to countries worldwide that the EU remains committed to supporting and defending the principles of the postwar order.

The EU's firm stance on the Greenland issue provides encouragement for other nations to stand together to uphold the international order established after WWII. As the world navigates an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape, the defense of sovereignty and territorial integrity must remain paramount.