Brussels: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz asserted on Monday that the European Union is strong enough to safeguard its own interests in trade negotiations with the United States. Following a meeting with other EU leaders, Scholz emphasized Europe's ability to act independently.
“The European Union is powerful. We have all the means necessary to defend our interests,” he stated. “This is also a message to the United States, but one that extends a hand of cooperation.”
Scholz also praised Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum for effectively handling tensions with the U.S. regarding tariffs threatened by President Donald Trump. “Sheinbaum is a skilled politician,” he said. “She handled the situation with composure.”
Addressing European defense policy, Scholz pointed to ongoing challenges such as fragmentation and the lack of large-scale joint defense initiatives. “This needs to change, and that’s why we must improve our approach to procurement,” he added.
On the topic of U.S. demands that Ukraine provide rare earth materials in exchange for further aid, Scholz criticized the move as “selfish and self-serving.” He stressed that such resources should instead be prioritized for Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction.
