EU foreign policy chief Kallas alleges U.S. efforts to divide the bloc

In an interview with the Financial Times published on Friday, European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas accused the United States of attempting to divide the European Union. Kallas stated that the current U.S. administration, led by President Donald Trump, does not favor the bloc and is utilizing tactics similar to those of the EU's adversaries. The Trump administration has recently launched trade investigations into the EU, China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Mexico, citing unfair trade practices, which could result in new tariffs by this summer. This follows a previous U.S. Supreme Court ruling that struck down much of the administration's prior tariff program. Regarding defense, Kallas urged EU member states to avoid bilateral negotiations with Washington and instead act as a unified power. She also emphasized that while Europe must purchase military assets from the U.S. due to current capability gaps, the bloc must also prioritize investment in its own domestic defense industry.