EU Leader Issues Stern Warning Over Trump's Greenland Campaign at Davos
In a strongly worded address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pledged an "unflinching" response to former US President Donald Trump's renewed threats regarding Greenland. The escalating tensions over the autonomous Danish territory have cast a shadow over the annual gathering of global elites, with von der Leyen cautioning that Trump's actions risk plunging US-European Union relations into a dangerous "downward spiral."
Trump's Provocative Moves and European Countermeasures
Donald Trump, who is scheduled to speak at the forum on Wednesday, has vigorously reignited his campaign to acquire Greenland, testing the resilience of the transatlantic alliance. The US president has threatened to impose tariffs on eight European nations in retaliation for their stance on the Greenland issue, a move that Washington has labeled as potentially "unwise" but which Europe is actively considering countermeasures against.
Von der Leyen emphasized the gravity of the situation in her speech, stating, "The proposed additional tariffs are a mistake, especially between long-standing allies. Plunging us into a downward spiral would only aid the very adversaries we are both so committed to keeping out of the strategic landscape. So our response will be unflinching, united and proportional."
Social Media Escalation and Diplomatic Maneuvers
Trump has amplified his Greenland push on his Truth Social platform, posting a fabricated image of himself planting a flag on the icy terrain with a sign declaring "GREENLAND - US TERRITORY EST. 2026." He later claimed a "very good" conversation with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte concerning the mineral-rich island and announced an agreement to hold a meeting of various parties in Davos to discuss the matter.
Asserting that European leaders would not "push back too much" on his acquisition attempt, Trump argued they lack the capacity to protect Greenland from perceived threats, particularly from Russia and China. However, analysts note that Beijing's influence in the region remains limited, suggesting other motivations may be at play.
Broader International Repercussions and Forum Dynamics
The Greenland dispute has exacerbated existing diplomatic strains, notably with French President Emmanuel Macron, whose relations with Trump have deteriorated further. The US leader has threatened 200 percent tariffs on French wine and champagne after France declined to join Trump's controversial "Board of Peace," a conflict-resolution initiative likened by analysts to a pay-to-play version of the UN Security Council.
In response, Macron has proposed a G7 summit in Paris to address the Greenland issue and efforts to end Russia's war in Ukraine, with Copenhagen, Moscow, and Kyiv participating on the sidelines. Meanwhile, the Kremlin revealed that Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev plans to meet with US delegation members in Davos, marking the first Russian presence at the forum since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Global Leaders Weigh In on Trade and Security
Other prominent figures at the WEF included Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, who implicitly criticized US policies by warning against a return to "the law of the jungle where the strong prey on the weak." Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, seeking to reduce Canada's reliance on the US amid tariff disputes, also addressed the forum, highlighting a recent preliminary trade agreement with China to ease tensions.
The agenda at Davos further encompasses crises in Venezuela, Gaza, Ukraine, and Iran, underscoring the forum's role as a critical platform for global dialogue. Notably, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres canceled his participation due to illness, adding to the event's unpredictable atmosphere.
As the United States deploys an unusually large delegation to Davos, signaling its intent to assert influence, the Greenland controversy exemplifies the broader challenges facing international cooperation and economic stability in an increasingly fragmented world.
