European leaders are gathering in Davos, Switzerland to address Trump's provocative threats, as tensions between the US and Europe escalate over the disputed territory of Greenland. Amidst this escalating crisis, EU officials will take center stage at the World Economic Forum (WEF), a gathering of global elites that promises to be dominated by President Donald Trump.
The high-stakes meeting comes on the heels of Trump's threat to impose tariffs on eight European countries in retaliation for their opposition to his plans to purchase Greenland. The move has sent shockwaves through transatlantic relations, prompting EU leaders to warn of countermeasures against any US aggression.
Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, will address the forum on Tuesday alongside Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Her remarks are expected to reaffirm Europe's commitment to upholding sovereignty in Greenland, a Danish territory that has sparked intense controversy between Washington and Copenhagen.
Meanwhile, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is scheduled to meet with Trump at Davos on Wednesday, but only after Trump has delivered his keynote speech. Merz emphasized the importance of avoiding escalation in this crisis, as EU leaders convene an emergency summit in Brussels on Thursday to discuss their response.
The stakes are high, with Finland's President Alexander Stubb warning that "tariff threats at the allied level are unacceptable." He echoed concerns about a potential downward spiral into conflict. While Trump has denied any intention of using military force to assert US control over Greenland, Denmark has proposed establishing NATO surveillance operations in the region as a response.
At Davos, other prominent leaders addressing the WEF will include Carney, who has made significant progress in easing tensions with China and securing trade agreements that have alleviated some of the pressure on Canada-US relations. However, Trump's aggressive stance is set to overshadow the entire gathering, casting a dark cloud over the usually upbeat proceedings.
As Europe navigates this high-stakes game of diplomatic poker, one thing is clear: Trump's actions in Davos will have far-reaching implications for global politics and the already frayed transatlantic bond.
The high-stakes meeting comes on the heels of Trump's threat to impose tariffs on eight European countries in retaliation for their opposition to his plans to purchase Greenland. The move has sent shockwaves through transatlantic relations, prompting EU leaders to warn of countermeasures against any US aggression.
Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, will address the forum on Tuesday alongside Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Her remarks are expected to reaffirm Europe's commitment to upholding sovereignty in Greenland, a Danish territory that has sparked intense controversy between Washington and Copenhagen.
Meanwhile, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is scheduled to meet with Trump at Davos on Wednesday, but only after Trump has delivered his keynote speech. Merz emphasized the importance of avoiding escalation in this crisis, as EU leaders convene an emergency summit in Brussels on Thursday to discuss their response.
The stakes are high, with Finland's President Alexander Stubb warning that "tariff threats at the allied level are unacceptable." He echoed concerns about a potential downward spiral into conflict. While Trump has denied any intention of using military force to assert US control over Greenland, Denmark has proposed establishing NATO surveillance operations in the region as a response.
At Davos, other prominent leaders addressing the WEF will include Carney, who has made significant progress in easing tensions with China and securing trade agreements that have alleviated some of the pressure on Canada-US relations. However, Trump's aggressive stance is set to overshadow the entire gathering, casting a dark cloud over the usually upbeat proceedings.
As Europe navigates this high-stakes game of diplomatic poker, one thing is clear: Trump's actions in Davos will have far-reaching implications for global politics and the already frayed transatlantic bond.