Scholz: The European Union is strong enough to defend its interests against the United States

(Patria) - Europe is strong enough to pursue its interests in trade negotiations with the United States, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Monday after meeting with his fellow European Union leaders, Reuters reported.

"The European Union is strong. We have every opportunity to ensure that we can take care of our interests," Scholz said.

"And that is also a message to the United States, which at the same time is connected to us through an outstretched hand," he added.

Scholz also praised Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum for gaining breathing room from US President Donald Trump's tariff threats.

"The Mexican president is a smart politician," he said.

"She played it cool."

The German Chancellor acknowledged problems in the European Union's common defense policy, such as fragmentation and the absence of major joint defense programs.

"This must change, and therefore we must change the way we procure," Scholz said.

He also commented on Trump's latest demand that Ukraine cede rare minerals it possesses to the United States in exchange for greater aid, saying "that would be very selfish, very selfish".

Such resources would be better used for the country's post-war reconstruction, Scholz added.