U.S. wants to divide Europe, Kallas says

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas believes that the U.S. wants to “divide Europe” and does not “like the European Union.”

She made this statement in an interview with the Financial Times, according to a Ukrinform correspondent citing Reuters.

"What I think is actually important for everybody ​to understand is that the U.S. has been very clear ​that they want to divide Europe. They don't like ⁠the European Union," Kallas stated.

U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized the European Union during his second term, imposing tariffs on member states and other countries, and musing about annexing Greenland—a move that, according to the publication’s journalists, could effectively spell the end of NATO.

This week, the Trump administration launched trade investigations into the EU and other countries, including China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Mexico, regarding what it claims are unfair trade practices. According to the investigation, these countries could face new tariffs as early as this summer. Journalists also note that the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a significant portion of Trump’s tariff program last month.

Kallas stated that the United States’ approach to the EU mirrors the tactics used by the bloc’s opponents, the FT reports.

EU countries should not seek to deal with Trump on a bilateral basis, she believes, but should instead present a united front, “because we are ​equal powers ⁠when we are together,” the FT adds.

However, regarding defense, Kallas said that the bloc needs “to buy from America because we don't have the ⁠assets ​or the possibilities or the capabilities that ​we need,” adding that Europe needs to invest in its own defense industry.

As reported by Ukrinform, Kaja Kallas believes that Europe must be present at the negotiating table for peace in Ukraine and make tough demands on Russia.