European leaders at Davos Forum criticize Trump for crossing red lines, warning of potential end to transatlantic cooperation.
Belgian Premier: Trump Crossing Red Lines
On Tuesday, January 20, during the World Economic Forum in Davos, European leaders addressed Donald Trump’s actions. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever said that decades-long transatlantic cooperation may come to an end if US policy does not change.
“So far, we have tried to appease the new president in the White House. We were very lenient, also on tariffs. We were lenient, counting on his support in the matter of the war in Ukraine. But now he is crossing many red lines,” said the Belgian prime minister, among others quoted by “The Guardian.”
Europe Must Respond to Structural US Change
Bart De Wever said that currently “Europe is at a crossroads” and must decide what policy to pursue. He stated that European countries should “wake up and arm themselves” to respond to the “structural change” in the US.
The Belgian Prime Minister added that changes are necessary because Europeans “have become completely dependent on technologies they do not possess and do not control.”
Macron: Europe Must Become Stronger, More Autonomous
Also Emmanuel Macron suggested that European states must change their policy, including towards the US. The French President stated that Europe needs reform. In his opinion, it should become “much stronger and more autonomous.”
Macron also pointed to Europe’s strengths. “It is predictable and loyal. It is known what the rules of the game are here – it is simply the rule of law,” he said.
Europe Prefers Respect Over Intimidation
The French President warned against weakening multilateral cooperation between countries. In this context, he criticized the great power politics of the US and China. “Multilateralism is being weakened by powers that block it or turn away from it,” he stated.
Macron also said how Europeans view the international situation. “We believe we need more growth, we need more stability in the world. But we prefer respect to intimidation, we prefer the rule of law to brutality,” he emphasized.
