Greenland, Trump: 'There is a basis for agreement with NATO, stop tariffs'

Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte called Donald Trump's post on Truth Social, in which the US president spoke of a "framework" for a possible Greenland deal, "exactly right". "His post on Truth Social is exactly right on target and I totally agree, Rutte told reporters, reporting that he had a "very good meeting" with Trump on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos. Urged to provide further details, the Alliance Secretary General avoided additional comments. "Read the post on Truth Social," he said. "You will find everything there." "There will be further conversations, Rutte finally added, hinting that the dialogue on the Greenland dossier.

The one on Greenland is "a long-term agreement. Infinite, it will last forever". Donald Trump said that.

US intentions towards Greenland are not a matter for Russia. This was stated by Russian President Vladimir Putin. "What is happening in Greenland does not concern us at all," the Kremlin chief said during a meeting with permanent members of the Security Council, as reported by Ria Novosti. "I think the United States and Denmark will resolve the issue between themselves," he added. "Denmark has always treated Greenland as a colony and has treated it rather harshly, if not cruelly. But that is another matter,' the Russian president explained.

"I welcome President Trump's announcement to suspend the imposition of tariffs scheduled for 1 February against some European states. As Italy has always maintained,it is fundamental to continue to foster dialogue between allied nations," reads a statement released by Palazzo Chigi and signed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

"On the basis of a very fruitful meeting I had with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, we defined the structure of a future agreement concerning Greenland and, in fact, the entire Arctic region. This solution, if finalised, will be extremely beneficial to the United States of America and all NATO nations,' Donald Trump writes in Truth.

"In my opinion it is not realistic for the US to invade Greenland militarily. Clearly we all understand what the consequences of such a choice would be and so I was not surprised, I am glad that he reiterated it, that he put it in black and white, but after that we have to look for solutions". Thus the President of the Council, Giorgia Meloni, speaking at Porta a Porta. 'The question that the Americans pose,' Meloni added, 'is a security question on a strategic territory: this is a correct theme, it is a theme that also concerns us. The whole of the Arctic and Greenland become areas that have a particular strategic nature and certainly the risk that for example the raw materials in which those territories are very rich, which are the gluttony of many foreign powers, that there is not enough presence and sufficient control is a real issue, it is the issue that the Americans pose'.

"If he wants to tell me, he has to tell me to my face." This was said by Donad Trump regarding the words of the Danish Foreign Minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, who allegedly rejected the offer of talks on Greenland. As for a possible date for the talks, Trump said: 'I have no idea'. Speaking to reporters before the bilateral with the NATO secretary general in Davos, the US president also said, "you'll find out," about the possible consequences of a failed agreement to take over the Arctic island.

On 1 February, the deadline looms for the imposition of 10% US new tariffs on eight European states (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands and Finland) for their participation in military exercises in Greenland.

Now the 27 European leaders will have to react, but the starting positions are very different. The options are to discuss with Trump anyway, even if there is an indigestible stake on the table for the Europeans (the takeover of Greenland) or to reject the request to the sender until there is an acceptable idea on the table.

According to Israeli daily Haaretz, Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu will not attend the opening ceremony of the Peace Council tomorrow at the World Economic Forum after Switzerland said it was "obliged to cooperate" with the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant for the premier's alleged war crimes. "As a party to the Rome Statute, Switzerland is obliged to cooperate with the International Criminal Court," the Federal Office of Justice told Haaretz. "As a matter of principle, Switzerland would be obliged to arrest defendants entering Switzerland at this time, provided that the ICC has issued a corresponding arrest warrant or a request for arrest based on it, and to initiate the surrender procedure to the ICC."

The meeting between President Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky scheduled for tomorrow in Davos is now confirmed. This is reported by The Guardian, which points out that Trump will meet the Ukrainian president just as his peace envoy, Steve Witkoff, will be in Moscow for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The Greenlandic government has presented a new brochure providing advice to the population in the event of a 'crisis' on the ground. This document is 'an insurance policy', said the Minister of Self-sufficiency, Peter Borg, at a press conference in Nuuk, the Greenlandic capital. "We do not expect that it will be necessary to resort to it," he emphasised.

Work to write the booklet, entitled 'Prepare for Crisis: be self-sufficient for five days', began last year 'against a backdrop of power outages of varying duration', according to the Greenland government. The guidelines recommend storing food for five days, three litres of water per person per day, toilet paper, a battery-powered radio, as well as weapons, ammunition and fishing equipment. Greenland's population of 57,000 inhabitants - almost 90% indigenous Inuit - has a long tradition of hunting and fishing as their main means of subsistence.

On the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, President Donald Trump met with Egyptian leader Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to discuss the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip and the Board of Peace, which is officially scheduled to see the light of day tomorrow.

Trump told reporters that many leaders want to join the body. "Egypt has been fantastic," the tycoon said, commenting favourably on the Arab country's membership. Al-Sisi praised Trump for his role in achieving a ceasefire in Gaza. "I reiterate this to our colleagues and in front of the media, if it were not for President Trump, we would not have reached an agreement on Gaza," he said. The tycoon replied: 'I appreciate what you said about Gaza because it is true. If we weren't involved, there would be no peace," adding that Hamas will be "eliminated if they don't give up their weapons."

"Greenland has a great strategic, economic and energy weight. We are working to find a solution, with an important role for Europe and maintaining very good relations with the US". Vice-Premier and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani wrote on X.

Nigel Farage - leader of the British anti-immigration party 'Reform Uk', which has been leading in the polls for months - broke the front in defence of Denmark's sovereignty over Greenland, stating that the world would be safer if the Arctic island belonged to the United States.

At the same time, Labour PM Keir Starmer entered for the first time directly into controversy with Trump on this issue, assuring that his government 'will not give in to pressure' from the great overseas ally. Invited to the forum in Davos, Switzerland, where he plans to see Trump himself, Farage premised that he believes 'in respecting the principle of self-determination' even for the people of Greenland, after having flaunted it at home to support Brexit. Interviewed by the British media, however, he added that he had "no doubt whatsoever that the world would be a better and safer place if a strong America owned Greenland, for reasons of geopolitical balance" in the strategic North Atlantic area. "Would it be a safer situation for NATO? Yes,' the Reform leader continued, otherwise fearing risks related to 'the continued expansionism of Russia's icebreakers and China's investments' in the Arctic.

Responding to President Trump's speech at the World Economic Forum, Nabil Ahmed, senior director for economic justice at Oxfam America, said: 'President Trump brought "let them eat brioche" economics to Davos. This denialist speech failed to acknowledge the material misery that so many Americans feel. In fact, the Trump administration's policies have helped create one of the most K-shaped economies in recent times, in which the rich and large corporations prosper while working families endure drastic cuts and skyrocketing costs."

"There is no evidence to suggest that Trump's few proposals on so-called affordability are more than moke in the eye. No one should fall for this trap unless and until we see the President make significant changes. If nothing else, President Trump's speech confirms the damaging influence of oligarchy on our economies and geopolitics. Last year, the global wealth of billionaires increased three times faster than in the previous five years, and billionaires are over 4,000 times more likely to hold political office than ordinary people. The political conquest of the ultra-rich is harder than ever to ignore,' writes Nabil Ahmed.

Donald Trump's will to take control of Greenland remains 'intact', despite the US president's openness to the possibility of not using military force. This is what Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said today, commenting on US President Donald Trump's speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, according to Le Figaro.

"What is clear from this speech is that the president's ambition remains intact," Rasmussen told reporters, in Copenhagen's first official reaction after Trump's speech. However, the minister acknowledged as positive the reference to the absence of a military option. "It is obviously a positive thing, taken in isolation, that it is said that 'we will not resort to military force'," he explained. The Danish premier also emphasised that Trump's reassurances do not make the problem go away.

According to the US president's statement in Davos, the world would live 'behind the backs of the United States' and for decades would benefit enormously from access to the American market without a balance in trade relations. This would be the underlying reason that prompted the White House to put in place a tariffs policy, claimed today as one of the cornerstones of US economic success.

"The United States keeps the whole world afloat," said the US president, claiming that "many countries make a fortune thanks to us" and that "without the United States they would gain nothing". According to Trump, 'for years everyone has taken advantage of the United States' in terms of trade, accumulating surpluses at Washington's expense.

If Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky do not come to an agreement it means 'they are stupid'. This was said by Donald Trump, speaking in Davos, of the prospects for peace in Ukraine and reiterating that he thought it 'would be easier' to resolve the conflict. "It is not with so much hatred that agreements are reached," the US president stressed, "When Zelensky is willing, it is Putin who wants more. That said, addressing US special envoy Steve Witkoff, who is in charge of the dossier, from the Davos stage, Trump said that 'we are reasonably close to an agreement'. What is happening there 'is a bloodbath', he reiterated, and 'if they can't reach an agreement, they are stupid!" he concluded.

Donald Trump has made it clear that he wants ownership, not some other kind of Greenland deal. "Who the hell wants to defend a licence agreement or a lease?" he said in Davos.

Donald Trump corrected himself on his meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky in Davos and, responding to a press question after his speech, said he would see him 'tomorrow' and not today.

US President Donald Trump has refused to specify what kind of agreement he plans to reach with Denmark on the future status of Greenland.

"We will see what happens," Trump said during an informal talk at the World Economic Forum in Davos, when asked what kind of agreement he would like to reach with Copenhagen.

Donald Trump concluded his speech in Davos after one hour and 12 minutes, as opposed to the scheduled 45 minutes

"After the war, we gave Greenland back to Denmark. How stupid were we to do that? How ungrateful are they now?" US President Donald Trump said this while speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos. "When we gave it back, Greenland was not as valuable as it is now," he added, "there is much more need for this island now than in the past."

President Donald Trump said he will announce the identity of the next Federal Reserve chairman very soon. "All the candidates are excellent, they could all do a fantastic job," he said speaking at the World Economic Forum before criticising the Fed's current number one, the "terrible chairman" Jerome "always late" Powell, for the umpteenth time.

Donald Trump continues to goad Emmanuel Macron. "He played hardball" yesterday in Davos, the US president said speaking at the forum in Switzerland.

"You have to put an end to that war because too many people are dying unnecessarily." US President Donald Trump said this while speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos. "I try to deal with Putin, he wants to come to an agreement and so does Zelensky," Trump added.

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, US President Donald Trump today claimed to have averted what he called an energy disaster for America, arguing that without his intervention the country would have been overwhelmed by out-of-control prices, plant closures and loss of industrial competitiveness.

"I stopped destructive energy policies that were driving up prices and pushing jobs and factories to the world's worst polluters," Trump said in his speech, pointing the finger at the Biden administration. According to the president, under his predecessor 'new oil and gas concessions plummeted by 95 per cent' and this would have led to gasoline going over '$5 a gallon, in some cases as high as $7'.

Speaking in Davos, Donald Trump said he would see Volodymyr Zelensky in the Swiss city today.

On the annexation of Greenland Trump said in Davos: if you say no, we will remember. The US wants "this big chunk of ice called Greenland" and "if the Europeans say yes, we'll appreciate it very much", "if they say no, we'll remember it": this was said by Donald Trump in his speech in Davos.

"I will be with NATO 100 per cent but I am not sure they will be there for us," said Donald Trump speaking in Davos. The only time Article 5 of the Alliance was applied was when the European allies came to the aid of the US after 9/11.

Canada 'exists because of the United States'. Donald Trump said this at the Davos forum.

It is up to Europe and Nato to deal with Ukraine 'not us'. Donald Trump said this at the Davos forum

"I don't want to use force but we want Greenland back after we gave it to Denmark after defeating the Germans, Japanese and Italians for them." US President Donald Trump said this in Davos, adding that the US defended Europe with Nato from the Soviet Union but received nothing in return. "Now we are simply asking for Greenland where we will build the biggest golden dome ever that will also defend Canada which gets a lot of things for free from us."

Donald Trump called for 'immediate negotiations' on the US takeover of Greenland at the Davos forum.

"There is nothing wrong with acquiring territories," said US President Donald Trump, during his speech on stage at the Davos Economic Forum, speaking about Greenland.

"Only the United States can guarantee world security" with control of Greenland. Donald Trump said this at the Davos forum.

'All the big oil companies are coming with us to Venezuela'. Donald Trump said this at the Davos forum. "We appreciate Venezuela's cooperation, they are doing great," he added

'Venezuela will be a great country again', there is 'great cooperation', said US President Donald Trump, during his speech on stage at the Davos Economic Forum.

Venezuela is 'a good example', and 'the country's leadership is behaving in the right way', Trump specified, emphasising the economic benefits that will affect the Latin American country in the near future.

In 'Europe you are not going in the right direction', said US President Donald Trump during his speech on stage at the Davos Economic Forum. "Some areas of Europe are unrecognisable," Trump said, emphasising "I love Europe", but in his view it becomes unrecognisable.

"The United States is in the midst of the country's greatest economic growth", "inflation is defeated". US President Donald Trump said this while speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos. "I'm at this year's forum with some phenomenal news I bring from the United States," he added, "now after 12 months, the economy is booming, growth is exploding. Investment is exploding, incomes are rising."

"Focusing on Ukraine should be our top priority," Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte said from Davos today. "Then we can discuss all issues, including Greenland. But Ukraine should come first, because it is crucial for our European and American security,' Rutte stressed.

"Geopolitical risks are among the most worrying. Venezuela and Greenland are just the latest developments, but we should not forget Ukraine, which also remains a major concern. Wherever there are wars in the world, and there are many right now, it is an obstacle to growth and economic development. In terms of geopolitical risks, the unwarranted war in Ukraine is in the lead. The challenges to the international order, which are a long-term issue, require us to prepare ourselves and to consider whether we should change the way we operate'. Thus ECB President Christine Lagarde in an interview with Cgtn on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Berlin has not yet completely ruled out its participation in the Gaza Board of Peace and yet Chancellor Friedrich Merz will not attend the official signing ceremony tomorrow. This was explained by the chancellor's spokesman at a press conference in Berlin, answering journalists' questions on the matter. "Due to his schedule, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will leave Davos earlier," Steffen Mayer explained. On the German position he reiterated: 'We are grateful for the invitation and share the goal of peace. But Germany's reflection on participation is still ongoing

US President Donald Trump is scheduled to hold five bilateral meetings with European leaders on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos. This was disclosed to Cbs News by an administration official.

ECB President Christine Lagarde left a dinner organised by BlackRock on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos last night prematurely during a speech by US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. As reported by the Wall Street Journal, Lutnik's speech, which was highly critical of Europe, was met with widespread dissent from those in attendance and the president herself left early. The ECB - contacted by Radiocor - did not comment.

According to the Financial Times, the World Economic Forum's top management is considering a move of the World Economic Forum from its traditional location in Davos. This hypothesis was reportedly discussed privately by Larry Fink, chairman of BlackRock and acting co-chairman of the forum's board of directors. According to the top manager, the solution to the logistical problems of the summit could be the definitive relocation of the summit or the use of rotating venues, among which Detroit and Dublin would be evaluated, but - in a hypothetical rotation - also metropolises such as Giakarta and Buenos Aires. In a blog post on the site, Fink made no secret of his intention to 'reshape' the Forum, in the crosshairs for being too elitist, so as to broaden access to 'present itself in the places where the modern world is actually built'.

Despite the delay, US President Trump's speech in Davos is expected at 2.30pm. According to a White House source, Trump will present his America First economic policy on Wednesday, while on Thursday he will talk about foreign policy. The US president could address issues such as Greenland and Venezuela, as well as his plan for the Board of Peace in Gaza.

Due to the delay in US President Donald Trump's arrival in Davos (caused by an electrical failure on Air Force One), the scheduled meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will not be able to take place. This was reported by Bild, citing German government sources.

US President Donald Trump's Air Force One has landed in Zurich, about two hours behind schedule due to the 'slight electrical problem' that forced a change of aircraft after the flight's initial departure. This was reported by the American media. A helicopter will transport him to Davos, where he is expected to address the World Economic Forum, still scheduled for 2.30 p.m.

"I hope that in 20 years the tariffs we are experiencing today will no longer exist. But what really matters is to go below the surface of tariffs and to understand who bears the burden". This was said by ECB President Christine Lagarde, addressing a panel at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Lagarde quoted a study by the Kiel Institute in Germany, according to which the burden of tariffs falls largely on US consumers and importers: 'The study identifies the US consumer and the US importer as the main bearers of the burden of tariffs. Looking at the trade relations between the US and Europe, the ECB president recalled that average tariffs have increased significantly: "We have gone from tariffs of around 2% a year ago to over 12% on average in the euro area, with the threat of rising to 15%". According to Lagarde, while up to 96% of the impact falls on US consumers and importers, the macroeconomic consequences are significant: 'I don't think that's a good outcome, particularly from an inflation perspective'. Therefore, she concluded, it is necessary to carefully analyse the indirect effects of protectionist measures: "We have to look at the consequences, the spillover effects, the impact on inflation and how growth is affected."

It would not be in Europe's interest to target US high-tech as a response to President Trump's tariffs threats against countries opposed to the US takeover of Greenland. Thus, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Joel Kaplan, Meta's global head of public affairs for whom 'hitting tech would be particularly counterproductive for Europe'. 'Our services,' he says, 'are used by millions of small companies to reach customers, grow their businesses and create jobs in Europe' and there would be a risk of 'a spiral of retaliation that would hurt everyone'.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz intends to use the World Economic Forum to confront US President Donald Trump with US claims on Greenland, which are deemed 'completely unacceptable' by NATO allies. According to Bild, the German government has requested a meeting with Trump, and the US, which will appear in Davos with a 300-strong delegation, is also reportedly interested. At the moment, neither place nor time is fixed, but the meeting could be organised quickly, even in the local church adapted as the headquarters of the American delegation. Alternatively, the exchange could take place after Trump's speech on the main stage of the convention centre, in one of the dozens of meeting rooms available. The participation of Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte is possible, according to government sources. Merz's strategy aims at avoiding tensions before the meeting, showing respect for Trump and establishing a direct and clear dialogue. The chancellor, one of the few European leaders Trump takes seriously, counts on his knowledge of English, experience in the US and in the business world. Merz, writes Bild, intends to agree with Trump that the defence of the North is not only the responsibility of the United States, but of NATO as a whole, thus also strengthening exercises on Greenland. It is not a foregone conclusion that Trump will agree, the German newspaper points out, especially after the provocative tweet in which he placed the US flag over Greenland. Merz and his advisors are not swayed by social media and assess Trump's tariffs and threats as negotiating tools rather than immediate concrete commitments. Europe also has a weapon of pressure at its disposal: possible trade countermeasures worth EUR 93 billion. In case of escalation, exclusions of US companies from government contracts, export restrictions on key sectors or targeted taxation on companies like Google could follow. Merz will give his speech in Davos on Thursday and move immediately afterwards to Brussels for the European Council, where the possible contradictions of the EU will be discussed if Trump maintains a confrontational attitude.

According to LaPresse, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, will not return to Davos and is currently on her way from Strasbourg to Brussels 'to prepare tomorrow's extraordinary European Council'. The president will therefore not travel to the Swiss town, where US President Donald Trump is expected today. The possibility of a meeting with the American leader, which the Commission did not rule out at first, therefore seems to have vanished.

The United States ''is behaving very bizarrely for allies'', said European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde, appealing for ''unity and determination'' from the European Union in the face of US President Donald Trump's behaviour. ''They behave in a very bizarre way for allies,'' Lagarde said, when asked by RTL radio whether the US was an ''ally'' or an ''adversary'' of the EU. ''When you're an ally in the North Atlantic Treaty, when you've been an ally for decades and you've participated in each other's respective histories, to threaten to take possession of territory that is clearly not for sale, like Greenland, and to agitate for tariff restrictions, restrictions of various orders on international trade is not really showing very allied behaviour,'' Lagarde stressed. from the Davos Forum where Donald Trump is also expected today. Lagarde also reported that she will follow the US president's speech in Davos very closely

"If I look at the relationship between the US and Europe today, we have gone from average tariffs of around 2% just over a year ago to around 12-something on average in the euro area. And with the threats that are looming, we could go up towards an average 15%, albeit with large differences between sectors". This was said by ECB President Christine Lagarde during a panel at the World Economic Forum on the similarities between the current decade and the 1920s. "If 96 per cent of this cost falls on the US consumer and importer, I don't think that's a good outcome at all, especially from an inflation point of view. So I think we need to look at the consequences in depth: what are the spillover effects, what is the impact on inflation, and how is growth affected?"

The Europeans should avoid knee-jerk reactions and sit at the table with US President Donald Trump in Davos to hear his arguments on the Greenland takeover. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said this on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum. "I urge everyone to take a deep breath. Let's not be carried away by this reflex anger and resentment that we have seen," Bessent said. "Why don't they sit back, wait for President Trump to arrive and listen to his arguments? I am convinced they will be persuaded," he added. Bessent called the statements by European and French leaders "inflammatory". "We ask our allies to understand that Greenland must become part of the United States," the Treasury Secretary stressed.

The Europeans should avoid knee-jerk reactions and sit at the table with US President Donald Trump in Davos to hear his arguments on the Greenland takeover. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said this on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum. "I urge everyone to take a deep breath. Let's not be carried away by this reflex anger and resentment that we have seen," Bessent said. "Why don't they sit back, wait for President Trump to arrive and listen to his arguments? I am convinced they will be persuaded," he added. Bessent called the statements by European and French leaders "inflammatory". "We ask our allies to understand that Greenland must become part of the United States," the Treasury Secretary stressed.

"NATO is also crucial for US security. My role as secretary general when there is tension between allies, as in the past between Turkey and Greece, is not to comment in public, because by the time I do, I can no longer help reduce the tension. I am working on the issue behind the scenes. There are tensions, it is true, but careful diplomacy is the only solution. We must defend the Arctic, Trump is right. At Nato we are working to make the Arctic region safe'. Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte said this in Davos.

Faced with the challenges of an 'increasingly anarchic world, defined by brute power, be it economic or military, technological or geopolitical', Europe needs to abandon 'its traditional prudence'. This was said by the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen speaking at the Parliament plenary session in Strasbourg. Her appeal is an absolute novelty given that until now von der Leyen herself has distinguished herself for prudence and political balancing both for internal EU political choices and for the positions she has taken in global affairs and in particular in relations with the United States. Von der Leyen went on to say that 'certainly, Europe always prioritises dialogue and solutions, but is fully prepared to act, if necessary, without delay, in a united and determined manner'. The turnaround in the posture of the European Commission's top official, who in trade relations with the US acts in representation and on behalf of the member states, gives a sense of the seriousness of the moment. In his speech yesterday in Davos von der Leyen had not taken his analysis so far. In the same hours it was Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney who had delivered a very heartfelt and precise speech calling on the 'middle powers' to work together so as not to end up on the 'menu' of the big powers.

"Europe prefers dialogue and solutions, but we are fully prepared to act, if necessary, with unity, urgency and determination. Beyond that, we need our own strategic approach. That is why we are working on a package to support Arctic security. A first pillar will be a massive increase of European investments in Greenland, in particular to support the local economy and infrastructure'. Ursula von der Leyen told the Eurochamber, adding: 'we should use the increased defence spending to purchase equipment suitable for the Arctic'.

"The change in the international order is not only seismic, but permanent. And the speed of change far exceeds anything we have seen in recent decades. We live in a world defined by pure power, be it economic or military, technological or geopolitical. And while many of us may not like it, we have to come to terms with the world as it is now. Which brings me to the second reality, and imperative, for Europe. And that is to accelerate our drive towards independence'. So says the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, speaking at the plenary of the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

"We have witnessed events that have shaken the world. From national protests - and repression - in Iran to the seizure of oil tankers from the shadow fleet in the North Atlantic. From the volatile situation around the Arctic and Greenland to the relentless bombing of Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure. From tensions in the Middle East to the Indo-Pacific. All this reflects a range of realities for Europe,' he points out.

Further reading

Greenland, new EU security strategy and troops from seven European countries

16 January 2026

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called on European countries opposed to US attempts to acquire Greenland to "sit back and wait" for President Donald Trump's arrival at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland to "listen to his reasons". "Take a deep breath, avoid the anger and bitterness seen so far," Bessent told reporters in Davos. Trump threatened tariffs of 10 per cent on eight European countries sending troops to Greenland for joint exercises led by Denmark. "I'm not sure what message they want to give by activating their troops, it seems rather donkeyish to me," the Treasury secretary added.

US President Donald Trump has assured that he will respond to any trade threat from Europe in an equivalent manner. 'Whatever they do against us, I will respond. All I have to do is respond and it will backfire on them,' he told Newsnation, nevertheless saying he was optimistic about an agreement on Greenland and tariffs. 'We're not thinking about that now. We will probably find a solution, possibly in the coming days in Davos'.

The impact of the new tariffs threatened by Trump would probably be minimal but 'what is much more serious, and weighs the words, is the level of uncertainty created by President Trump's continuous changes of course'. This was said by ECB President Christine Lagarde in an interview with French broadcaster Rtl.

Asked whether she thinks Trump will actually implement his threats on Greenland, Lagarde pointed out that the US president often adopts a negotiating approach, 'sets the bar very high, at levels that are sometimes completely unrealistic, difficult to implement and sometimes on what is probably an unsound legal basis. That is how he proceeds. Then he negotiates. The question the Europeans have to ask themselves is how to stand up to him on this world stage: do they show their muscles or do they adopt a responsible attitude and propose solutions?".

Further reading

Lagarde: buy American to avoid trade war

28 November 2024

Donald Trump's arrival in Davos will be delayed 'about three hours' due to the electrical problem on Air Force One, which forced the US president to return to base and change aircraft. This was stated by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, speaking to the press on the sidelines of the Forum.

The World Economic Forum is considering a possible change of venue for its annual meeting amid fears that Davos is no longer adequate to host an event that is now too big. According to a report in the Financial Times, Larry Fink, chairman of BlackRock and acting co-chair of the Wef board, has been discussing options such as a permanent move or rotating venues, with cities such as Detroit and Dublin among the hypotheses "but also Jakarta or Buenos Aires" as he indicated in a blog. The aim is to make the Forum less elitist and more connected to the places where the real economy is built. While officially reaffirming the historical link with Davos, there is a growing awareness within the Wef of the logistical and strategic limitations of the location, which is increasingly under pressure during the event. Although it is unlikely that a change of venue will happen anytime soon, it is not the first time that the possibility of looking for new venues for the Forum has been discussed, and in the past Dubai has even been discussed as a candidate. The Wef has been held in Davos since 1971, although in 2002 it was moved to New York for a year as a sign of solidarity after the September 11 terrorist attacks. During the Covid pandemic, the forum considered holding it in Singapore for a year, but plans were later shelved.

Donald Trump has departed for Switzerland in a different aircraft than originally planned, but officially continues to fly in an 'Air Force One'. In fact, the US president left Andrews base in a Boeing C-32A, a military version of the 757, after the previous aircraft, a Vc-25 derived from the Boeing 747, was forced to return due to a 'minor electrical problem' shortly after take-off. The designation 'Air Force One', US Air Force sources explain to CNN, does not indicate the type of aircraft but the radio call sign assigned to any aircraft on which the president in office is on.

I membri dei media salgono a bordo di un Air Force One di riserva dopo che l'aereo originale, che trasportava il presidente Donald Trump al World Economic Forum di Davos, ha avuto un piccolo problema elettrico dopo il decollo, martedì 20 gennaio 2026, ed è tornato alla Joint Base Andrews, nel Maryland. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Associated Press/ LaPresse Solo Italia e Spagna

"France is calling for a NATO exercise in Greenland and is ready to contribute to it'. This was announced by the Elysée Palace, while US President Donald Trump continues to reiterate his desire to take over the Danish autonomous territory.

US President Donald Trump declared that the US would 'wipe out' Iran if Tehran was responsible for its assassination. "The whole country would be blown up," he told Newsnation, adding that he had given - very specific instructions: if anything happens, they will wipe them off the face of the earth. The president's words come in the aftermath of Tehran's warning to Trump not to take any action against Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, just days after the tycoon himself called for an end to the religious leader's nearly 40-year rule. "Trump knows that if a hand of aggression is extended towards our leader, we will not only cut it off, we will set fire to their world," said General Abolfazl Shekarchi, spokesman for the Iranian armed forces.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has accepted US President Donald Trump's invitation to join the Board of peace. This was announced by the PM's office, quoted by Israeli media.

Further reading

Gaza, Trump asks for a billion to join 'Board for Peace'

18 January 2026

US President Donald Trump said in a TV interview with NewsNation that he believes an agreement on Greenland is possible, perhaps while he is in Davos. Speaking on the 'Katie Pavlich Tonight' programme, Trump downplayed the threat of retaliation made by French President Emmanuel Macron in response to tariffs the US President had threatened in relation to Greenland.

The planned announcement in Davos of an $800 billion plan for the reconstruction of Ukraine has been postponed due to disagreements between the US and Europe over Greenland and the US-proposed Board of Peace for Gaza. This was reported by the Financial Times, citing six officials.

Further reading

Meloni: "Commitments of over 10 billion at Ukraine conference". Mattarella: "Clear message from Rome, Kiev is not alone".

10 July 2025

Il presidente degli Stati Uniti Donald Trump è ripartito da Washington verso il Forum economico mondiale di Davos, dopo che un problema elettrico aveva costretto il suo aereo presidenziale a rientrare alla base di Andrews. Trump e il suo entourage hanno cambiato velivolo e sono decollati di nuovo poco dopo la mezzanotte, le 6 di mattina italiane, con circa due ore e mezza di ritardo sulla tabella di marcia, con possibili ripercussioni sul programma di Trump per la giornata in Svizzera. L’Air Force One era diretto in Svizzera quando ha invertito la rotta “per un eccesso di prudenza”, dopo che l’equipaggio aveva individuato un’anomalia elettrica poco dopo il decollo. Secondo quanto riferito dalla Casa Bianca alla Cnn, alcune luci della cabina non funzionavano.

Further reading

Trump ready to accept Qatar's gift: a new Air Force One

12 May 2025