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The European Union's Strategic Autonomy

Published January 24, 2026, 09:16
The European Union's Strategic Autonomy

The extraordinary meeting of the European Council, held last Thursday in Brussels, provided an opportunity to clarify many issues, primarily regarding the crisis triggered by the United States. Following President Trump's statements about Greenland and the announcements of imposing tariffs on EU member states, the Cypriot Presidency of the EU immediately convened an emergency Committee of Permanent Representatives. The discussions at the European Council meeting, convened by President António Costa, and the preceding hours, suggest a partial de-escalation. This indicates that diplomatic channels worked and, for the time being, cooler heads prevailed. However, the EU remains on alert as escalation is possible at any time. President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, clarified upon his arrival at the extraordinary European Council Summit that the goal is not escalation, as this would be detrimental to transatlantic relations. The goal is de-escalation, “without any compromise on sovereignty and territorial integrity – fundamental principles of International Law.” Support was also expressed for Denmark for full respect of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. “The Republic of Cyprus knows better than any other member state what it means to violate sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the President emphasized. However, the need for strategic autonomy of the European Union is becoming increasingly prominent, given international developments and the overall behavior of the United States, as expressed by President Trump. This prospect now appears to be the only way forward for the EU. The EU must take action immediately and move towards strategic autonomy to strengthen its role and position internationally.

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