Donald Tusk warns Europe against concessions, calling them a sign of weakness amid US claims to Greenland.
Tusk: 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 yield no results, only humiliation. European decisiveness and self-confidence have become the need of the hour,” read the prime minister’s post.
Newsom Criticizes European Caution
On the same day, California Governor Gavin Newsom spoke in a similar tone at the Economic Forum in Davos, sharply criticizing Europe’s cautious reaction to the Greenland issue. “I should have brought knee pads for all world leaders. It’s simply pathetic. I hope people understand how pathetic they look on the international stage. It’s a shame,” said Newsom, adding that he “cannot tolerate this subservience.”
“European Union Cannot Remain Silent”
A debate on Greenland was organized in Strasbourg. As reported by Polish Radio’s Brussels correspondent Beata Płomecka, there was rarely seen agreement between pro-European and eurosceptic forces. “President Trump, regardless of threats, Greenland is not for sale,” said Danish MEP Christel Schaldemose from the socialist group. 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 MEP Villy Sovndal from the green group.
Extraordinary European Council Summit
On Thursday, January 22, an extraordinary summit of the European Council will be held regarding US claims to Greenland. President Antonio Costa emphasized that EU countries support Denmark and Greenland, show solidarity with them, and unanimously assess that the threatened tariffs would weaken transatlantic relations.