U.S. President Donald Trump's renewed threats to acquire Greenland have drawn sharp rebukes from European leaders this week, with multiple officials condemning the remarks as a violation of sovereignty and international norms. The controversy has dominated discussions at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where EU leaders emphasized collective resistance to coercive tactics.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared on Tuesday that Greenland's territorial integrity is "non-negotiable," signaling a unified EU stance. She announced plans to unveil an upgraded Arctic strategy later this year, framing it as part of Europe's broader adaptation to shifting geopolitical realities.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas reinforced this position during a European Parliament debate, stating: "Greenland belongs to its people. No threat or tariffs will change that." Her remarks came amid reports that the U.S. had linked trade measures to its territorial demands.
French President Emmanuel Macron urged immediate deployment of the EU's anti-coercion mechanism during his Davos address, criticizing Washington's "endless accumulation of tariffs" as "fundamentally unacceptable." He warned of growing risks to multilateral governance, stating: "International law is being trampled… creating a world where the law of the strongest prevails."
The strongest condemnation came from Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, who vowed to confront Trump directly during their scheduled Wednesday meeting in Switzerland. "Being a happy vassal is one thing. Being a miserable slave is something else," he stated, reflecting deepening transatlantic fissures.
Analysts suggest the dispute could impact ongoing negotiations on Arctic resource management and NATO coordination, with Greenland's strategic importance growing amid climate-driven changes in polar accessibility.
