Key points:
- Macron criticizes yielding to “law of the strongest” globally.
- EU leaders stress independence and measured response to seismic shifts.
- Swedish deputy PM urges toughness, keeping trade retaliation options ready.
- CEOs warn Europe’s response to Trump appears more emotional than pragmatic.
DAVOS, Switzerland: European leaders at the World Economic Forum on Wednesday called for unity, strategic restraint and greater independence as they grapple with fresh tensions triggered by U.S. President Donald Trump’s global moves, including his push to acquire Greenland, while business leaders warned Europe against responding emotionally rather than pragmatically.
According to Reuters, French President Emmanuel Macron criticized the notion of yielding to “the law of the strongest,” calling it “crazy” that the European Union is even considering using its anti-coercion instrument against the United States. “We do believe that we need more growth, we need more stability in this world, but we do prefer respect to bullies,” Macron said in his speech at the forum, one day before Trump’s arrival in Switzerland.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, without mentioning Trump directly, highlighted the need for Europe to respond to seismic global changes. She said the speed and scale of worldwide shifts had created a consensus among EU members on pursuing independence. “It is time to seize this opportunity and build a new independent Europe,” von der Leyen said.
Belgium’s Prime Minister Bart De Wever described the EU as being “at a crossroads” and stressed that the bloc must decide how to move past its previous attempts to appease Trump in order to maintain support for Ukraine. “So we should unite and we should say to Donald Trump … ‘You’re crossing red lines here.’ We either stand together or we will stand divided,” De Wever said during a panel discussion.
Swedish Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch echoed the call for firmness, dismissing the idea that flattery or concessions would work with Trump. “Stroking the cat along the line of its fur is not going to do the trick this time. The EU needs to toughen up and hold the line,” she said, noting that trade retaliation options must remain “locked and loaded.”
Europe divided on how to respond to Trump
Trump announced tariffs on imports from European allies opposing the U.S. Greenland bid, heightening tensions with Brussels. European governments face internal divisions over how to counter the tariff threat while maintaining support for Ukraine, especially as populist and nationalist parties gain influence across the continent.
Macron stressed Europe must defend its industries boldly and reject a global order dictated by raw power. “Let’s not be shy. Let’s not be divided. Let’s not accept a global order, which will be divided by those who claim to have the bigger voice,” Macron said.
Some executives at Davos, speaking anonymously, cautioned that Europe’s response to Trump appeared driven more by emotion than strategy. They suggested the continent should focus on pragmatic negotiations and look beyond the manner in which Trump delivers his messages.
