Kallas: The US wants to divide Europe

In an interview with the Financial Times, European diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas suggested that US policy towards the European Union has changed significantly in recent times. According to her, Washington is clearly showing an effort to ‘divide Europe’ and is approaching the Union with growing distrust.

These statements come after more than a year of tense transatlantic relations, which, according to available information, have worsened since US president Donald Trump’s return to the White House.

In recent months, the Trump administration has repeatedly criticised the EU and imposed tariffs on several member states. At the same time, it has opened new trade investigations against the EU and other economies such as China, India and Japan on suspicion of unfair trade practices.

According to Kallas, member states should not negotiate with Washington individually, but should act in unison in order to maintain an equal negotiating position.

At the same time, however, she acknowledged that Europe is still heavily dependent on US military capabilities. According to her, it will therefore be necessary not only to continue purchasing from the US, but also to invest more significantly in its own defence industry.

(reuters, pir)