Tusk warns Europe against concessions in Greenland dispute, while EU prepares special summit amid US pressure.
Tusk’s Warning to Europe
On Tuesday, January 20, Donald Tusk posted on X that “concessions are always a sign of weakness.” He stated, “Europe cannot afford weakness – neither towards enemies nor towards allies. Concessions bear no fruit, only humiliation. European firmness and self-confidence have become a necessity of the moment.”
Newsom’s Criticism of European Response
At the Economic Forum in Davos on the same day, California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized Europe’s cautious reaction regarding Greenland. He stated, “I should have brought a whole stack of knee pads for world leaders. It’s simply pathetic. I hope people understand how pitifully they look on the international stage. It’s a shame.” Newsom added that “he cannot stand this subservience.”
European Parliament Unity on Greenland
During a session in Strasbourg, a debate on Greenland was organized, with rare unity shown between pro-European and Eurosceptic forces. Danish socialist MEP Christel Schaldemose stated, “Mr. President Trump, regardless of threats, Greenland is not for sale.” Jordan Bardella from the extreme, Eurosceptic right emphasized, “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.” Danish Green MEP Villy Sovndal added, “Hands off Greenland.”
EU Summit to Address Greenland Issue
On Thursday, January 22, due to US claims regarding Greenland, an extraordinary summit of the European Council will be held. President Antonio Costa emphasized that EU states support Denmark and Greenland, stand in solidarity with them, and unanimously assess that the tariffs threatened by Trump would weaken transatlantic relations.