Kallas: US wants to divide Europe, dislikes European Union

(Patria) - EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas believes that the United States wants to "divide Europe" and that they "dislike the European Union".

- I think it is actually important for everyone to understand that the US has been very clear about wanting to divide Europe. They do not like the European Union - Kallas stated in an interview with Financial Times.

US President Donald Trump has targeted the EU multiple times during his second term, imposing tariffs on member states and others, and talking about the annexation of Greenland - a move that could effectively end the NATO alliance.

This week, the Trump administration launched trade investigations against the EU and other countries, including China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Mexico, over what it called unfair trade practices.

According to the investigation, countries could face new tariffs by this summer, after the US Supreme Court last month overturned a large part of Trump's tariff program.

Kallas says the US approach to the European Union reflects tactics used by the bloc's adversaries.

- EU countries should not seek bilateral deals with Trump - Kallas said, but should deal with him together, "because we are equal powers when we are together".

And when it comes to defense, Kallas said the bloc needs to "buy from America because we do not have the means, opportunities, or capabilities that we need", adding that Europe needs to invest in its own defense industry.