The recent escalation in President Donald Trump’s actions over Greenland has been roiling the world since the weekend.
The republican raised his tone against European allies who oppose American control of the territory belonging to the Kingdom of Denmark, threatening them with new tariffs. The issue did not escape the Davos World Economic Forum, which takes place this Tuesday (20).
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recommended at the event that the European Union (EU) rule out reprisals, following President Trump’s statements about his intention to annex Greenland.
He emphasized that the island is “essential” for the construction of the Golden Dome anti-missile shield, a defense mechanism against intercontinental missiles. Bessent also argued that NATO is in excellent health “thanks to President Trump” and “has never been as safe as it is now.”
French President Emmanuel Macron took advantage of his speech at the forum to attack Trump and his plans to annex Greenland. He said this Tuesday that the world “must not be impressed” and that “it is necessary to remain calm” in the face of threats from his American counterpart and what appears to be the collapse of the multilateral system that has allowed a certain order to be maintained in the world since the Second World War.
“We must remain calm, we must stick to our principles, we must not lower our eyes, we must not give in to the law of the strongest nor to an intimidation technique”, emphasized Macron, adding that “this is not the time for imperialism and colonialism”.
The French leader expressed his support for Denmark amid US pressure and again defended the use of the European Union’s anti-coercion mechanism. “Europe will stand by our friends in Denmark when they are under pressure. That’s what you expect from an ally.”
The president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, also reiterated the bloc’s support for Greenland, stating that the European Union’s (EU) response to pressure from President Donald Trump will be “firm, united and proportionate”.
“We consider the people of the United States not just as allies, but as friends. And dragging ourselves into a dangerous downward spiral would only help the adversaries we are both so committed to keeping out of our strategic picture. Our response will be firm, united and proportionate,” he said at the Davos Forum.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney declared in his speech Tuesday that the “old world order” will not be restored and called on other countries to unite against “the great powers” who have dismantled a rules-based world.
“You cannot live under the lie of mutual benefit through integration when integration becomes a source of subordination,” Carney said, adding that Canada is “recalibrating” its relationships, without naming the US.
The premier expressed his “strong” support for Greenland and Denmark, as well as Ottawa’s “unwavering” commitment to NATO’s Article 5.
Trump insisted on Tuesday that control of Greenland is “imperative” for the security of the United States and the world. In an image generated by artificial intelligence and published on his social network, Truth Social, he went even further, portraying the island as American territory with the US flag flying on its soil.
The US president is expected to speak at the forum this Wednesday (21), being the most anticipated speaker at this year’s conference.
