Polish Prime Minister Tusk declares Europe must show strength in face of international challenges.
Tusk’s Message to Europe
On Tuesday, January 20, Donald Tusk posted on X that “concessions are always a sign of weakness.” He stated that “Europe cannot afford weakness – neither towards enemies nor allies,” adding that “concessionary behavior yields no results, only humiliation.”
The Prime Minister emphasized that “European determination and self-confidence have become a necessity of the moment” in addressing current international challenges.
Newsom’s Criticism of Europe
California Governor Gavin Newsom, speaking at the Economic Forum in Davos on the same day, criticized Europe’s cautious approach regarding Greenland. He remarked that he “should have brought a pile of kneepads for world leaders,” calling the situation “pathetic” and “shameful.”
Newsom expressed his inability “to tolerate this subservience” in Europe’s international posture.
Parliamentary Debate on Greenland
During a session in Strasbourg, a debate on Greenland featured rare agreement between pro-European and eurosceptic forces. Danish MEP Christel Schaldemose declared that “Greenland is not for sale,” regardless of President Trump’s threats.
Jordan Bardella from the eurosceptic right emphasized that “the European Union cannot stay silent” in defending sovereignty, stating “we don’t want to be vassals, we want to be masters of our own destiny.” Danish MEP Villy Sovndal of the green group similarly demanded “Hands off Greenland.”
EU Summit Planned
An extraordinary summit of the European Council is scheduled for Thursday, January 22, to address American claims regarding Greenland. President Antonio Costa confirmed that EU countries support Denmark and Greenland, showing solidarity and agreement that Trump’s threatened tariffs would weaken transatlantic relations.