Vienna (APA) – On Tuesday, Austria’s federal government reaffirmed the remarks made by Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP) the previous day concerning the blackmail tactics employed by US President Donald Trump regarding Greenland. Economy Minister Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer (ÖVP) asserted that Europe should “not stand idly by” in light of Trump’s intentions. Infrastructure Minister Peter Hanke (SPÖ) stressed the importance of demonstrating Europe’s economic strength.
Chancellor Stocker had previously told APA that the EU must respond with confidence and unity. Hanke discussed the necessity of adopting a “dual strategy,” emphasizing that while it’s vital to express Europe’s commitment to economic cooperation, it is equally important to showcase its economic power.
“It is beneficial to highlight our significant strength in various sectors – and it could indeed have repercussions if we are left with no choice but to resort to tariffs and other measures to assert Europe’s independence,” Hanke mentioned in the press briefing following the Council of Ministers meeting.
He further emphasized the need for a strategy rooted in “coordination, communication, and optimal inclusion of partners,” cautioning against hastily abandoning decades of cooperation and advocating for a clear expression of Europe’s perspective to stakeholders in the USA, beyond Trump.
Hattmannsdorfer: Europe must “not stand idly by”
Minister Hattmannsdorfer characterized the evolving global order as “Darwinist,” asserting that Europe must actively engage. “Europe possesses the largest internal market and aims to assert a leading role in geo-economics and geopolitics,” he stated, while noting that dialogue is essential.
Hattmannsdorfer highlighted Austria’s trade surplus of four billion euros with the USA, citing its importance as the second-largest market after Germany for Austria’s prosperity. He cautioned that Europe must “not die in beauty” and should present a united front, adding that “the greatest danger would be if individual players diverge.”
Europe needs a “common line”
When asked about the comments from Hungary’s Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto, who indicated that Hungary would not support a joint EU declaration on Greenland’s future, Hattmannsdorfer refrained from judgment. He stated it was “wise and sensible” for European leaders to convene on these issues to adopt a “common line,” acknowledging that discussions would likely entail varying viewpoints. Szijjarto had previously remarked in Prague that the issue was bilateral rather than an EU matter.
Trump had earlier threatened punitive tariffs against European states involved in the military deployment to the Danish island, contingent on Denmark’s agreement to sell the island to the USA. These threats elicited strong reactions from European nations. EU Council President António Costa announced a special summit for heads of state and government to deliberate on an appropriate response, including potential economic retaliatory measures such as tariffs. (20.01.2026)
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