The confrontation between the United States and the European Union

By Constantinos Kyprios*

The confrontation between the United States, Europe, and Greenland is expected, given the weight and strategic importance of the island for the United States, as it lies between the U.S. and Russia and constitutes a zone of direct access. Consequently, within the framework of the new American policy, which envisages confrontation with potential adversaries, the status of Greenland is a matter of immediate interest for the United States.

How the European Union intends to respond is a different and equally critical issue. This matter is directly linked to the long-awaited institutionalization of a common European foreign policy and, by extension, a common European defense. The question that arises, however, is how Greece will act in the current circumstances.

For Greece, at this time, the primary concern is the preservation and strengthening of its alliance with Egypt and Israel, two countries in which the American factor plays a decisive role. Through these alliances, Greece can more effectively confront the Turkish threat and the developments that accompany it. Indeed, Turkey has strengthened its presence and influence in Libya and Albania, seeking in this way to encircle Greece.

Therefore, in order for Greece to counter Turkish aggression, it must create a broad and cohesive network of alliances that will function as a buffer and limit Turkish influence. In this way, Greece will be able to safeguard its national interests—especially its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)—and prevent Turkey from consolidating its role as a regional power in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Relations between the United States and the European Union are expected to be redefined, a development that is considered certain. What is required, however, is to prevent the entry of third actors—particularly Turkey—into the new power alignments, as such a development could lead to the weakening of Greece and place it at a disadvantage vis-à-vis a strong and revisionist Turkey. Consequently, the time has now come for diplomacy to demonstrate its capabilities, in order to preserve and consolidate what has been achieved to date.

*Constantinos Kyprios

Strategic Analyst