European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen affirmed that the EU is building a "breakthrough wave of investment" in Greenland.

The World Economic Forum (WEF) conference in Davos, Switzerland, on January 20th witnessed a direct escalation of tensions between the European Union (EU) and the administration of US President Donald Trump, revolving around the White House's plan to gain control of Greenland – a Danish autonomous territory with a particularly strategic location in the Arctic.

Speaking in Davos, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen affirmed that the EU is building a "breakthrough wave of investment" in Greenland. This move is seen by observers as a direct effort by the EU to counterbalance President Trump's intentions to control Greenland.

Although she did not disclose specific figures, von der Leyen said the EU could allocate a portion of its growing defense budget to developing icebreaking capabilities and essential military equipment in the Arctic. At the same time, the EC leader warned the White House against imposing punitive tariffs related to Greenland and reiterated commitments under the transatlantic trade agreement to be reached in 2025.

Ms. von der Leyen called Mr. Trump's proposals for additional tariffs a "mistake" and affirmed that Europe's response would be "steadfast, unified and proportionate." EU leaders are expected to hold an extraordinary summit on January 22nd in Brussels, Belgium, to agree on specific response measures.

On the same day, President Donald Trump confirmed he had agreed to hold a meeting with “stakeholders” in Davos to discuss the Greenland issue. On the social media platform Truth Social, Trump reiterated that Greenland is critical to U.S. national security and global stability, emphasizing that this acquisition is “irreversible.”

According to the schedule, President Trump will deliver a major speech in Davos and is expected to hold bilateral meetings with several European leaders. Against the backdrop of recent aggressive US military actions in Latin America and a firm stance on Arctic sovereignty , the Greenland issue is becoming the biggest test of the transatlantic alliance in 2026.

Source: VTV

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