US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urges European nations to remain calm and avoid retaliatory measures amid trade tensions.
Bessent’s Message to Europe
During his appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Tuesday, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent advised Europe to “sit down peacefully,” “take a deep breath,” and “not take retaliatory actions” regarding trade agreements.
Bessent noted that President Trump will arrive on Wednesday and will clearly present his position. He added that Trump holds “decisive views” on the security of the western hemisphere.
Greenland and NATO
Bessent reminded that the threat of tariffs remains “if the Danes don’t want to hand over Greenland.” He simultaneously assured that “the NATO alliance has never been safer” and criticized Spain for insufficiently increasing defense spending.
Trump’s Position
On Monday, in an interview with NBC News, Trump announced that he will fully follow through with his threat to impose tariffs on eight European countries opposing his demand for control over Greenland. He added that Europe should now focus on Russia’s war with Ukraine.
Before flying to Davos, Trump told reporters that “we must have that territory, our partners must understand this.” He stated, “They cannot protect Greenland. Danes are wonderful people. I know the leaders, they are very good people, but they don’t even go there.”
EU Response
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen assured at the World Economic Forum that “the European Commission is solidary with Denmark and the people of Greenland.” She emphasized that “Europe will always stand by Ukraine” and that the EU is working on a support package for Arctic security.
Von der Leyen stressed that “sovereignty and territorial integrity of these areas are not negotiable” and that Europe is fully committed to ensuring Arctic security, sharing goals with the United States. She stated that “Security in the Arctic can only be achieved through joint action.”
Regarding the planned US tariffs, von der Leyen called them “a mistake, especially in relations between long-term allies.” She promised that the EU’s response will be “firm, uniform, and proportional.” The EU is preparing an investment program for Greenland and will cooperate with the United States and all partners on Arctic security.
