Former EU Council President Donald Tusk warns that European concessions are a sign of weakness amid international challenges.
Europe Cannot Afford Weakness
On Tuesday, January 20, Donald Tusk posted on X that “concessions are always a sign of weakness.” “Europe cannot afford weakness – neither toward enemies nor toward allies. Concessions bring no results, only humiliation. European decisiveness and self-confidence have become necessary,” the post read.
Newsom Criticizes European Response
On the same day, California Governor Gavin Newsom spoke at similar tone at the Economic Forum in Davos, sharply criticizing Europe’s cautious response regarding Greenland. “I should have brought knee pads for world leaders. It’s just pathetic. I hope people understand how pathetic they look on the international stage. It’s a shame,” Newsom said, adding that he “cannot tolerate this subservience.”
EU Debate on Sovereignty
During a session in Strasbourg, a debate was organized about Greenland. As reported by Polish Radio’s Brussels correspondent Beata Płomecka, there was rare agreement between pro-European and Eurosceptic forces. “President Trump, regardless of threats, Greenland is not for sale,” said Danish Socialist MEP Christel Schaldemose. Jordan Bardella from the far-right, Eurosceptic right also criticized US actions. “The European Union cannot remain silent. This is not about escalation but about defending sovereignty. We don’t want to be vassals, we want to be masters of our own destiny,” he emphasized. “Hands off Greenland,” said Danish Green MEP Villy Sovndal.
Emergency EU Summit Planned
On Thursday, January 22, an extraordinary European Council summit will be held regarding US claims on Greenland. President Antonio Costa emphasized that EU countries support Denmark and Greenland, show solidarity with them, and unanimously agree that Trump’s threatened tariffs would weaken transatlantic relations.
