European leaders have issued stark warnings at the World Economic Forum in Davos, comparing former US President Donald Trump to the children's book character The Very Hungry Caterpillar over his renewed threats to seize Greenland.
Belgian Prime Minister's Striking Analogy
Bart de Wever, the Belgian prime minister, delivered a forceful critique during a panel discussion on European security, declaring that diplomatic appeasement has reached its limits. "My feeling is that the sweet-talking is over," de Wever stated. "You reach the point where sweet-talking and sweet-talking is counterproductive. It only encourages them to go a step further – it's The Very Hungry Caterpillar."
European Rearmament Calls
The Belgian leader emphasised that Europe must strengthen its defences in response to what he perceives as increasing threats of US military intervention in Greenland. "We have to wake up, we have to rearm, we have to integrate our market, and we have to seek new alliances," de Wever urged. He added a stark warning about European subservience: "He can make us slaves, and we are slaves then."
NATO's Future at Stake
Former NATO secretary general Anders Fogh Rasmussen echoed these concerns, suggesting that any American seizure of Greenland would signal the end of the historic military alliance. This warning comes as Trump continues to escalate his rhetoric about acquiring the autonomous Danish territory.
Trump's Social Media Provocations
On his Truth Social platform, Trump has recently amplified his Greenland ambitions, posting an AI-generated image yesterday showing himself planting an American flag in Greenland. This visual provocation follows his verbal threats that the world will "find out" how far he's willing to go to acquire the territory.
European Unity Against "Bully" Tactics
French President Emmanuel Macron has joined de Wever in condemning Trump's approach, delivering a speech at Davos advocating for European "rule of law" and directly calling out what he described as "bully" behaviour. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Canadian leader Mark Carney have also spoken out against the Greenland threats.
Trump's Uncertain Davos Agenda
As Trump prepares to arrive in Davos later today, his Greenland ambitions are expected to dominate discussions among European leaders. When questioned by reporters outside the White House this morning about his upcoming trip, Trump admitted, "I have no idea what's going to happen," while maintaining it would be "an interesting and successful trip."
The situation highlights growing transatlantic tensions as European leaders grapple with how to respond to what they perceive as increasingly aggressive American foreign policy ambitions under a potential future Trump administration.
