- Macron's Warning on Global Order: French President Emmanuel Macron stated the world faces a "shift towards a world without rules" amid US President Donald Trump's insistence on acquiring Greenland, describing NATO as weakened by the dispute.
- Trump's Firm Stance: Trump declared "no going back" on Greenland demands, announcing 10% tariffs (rising to 25%) on eight European allies—Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, UK, Netherlands, Finland—unless they support US control.
- Tariff Triggers and Context: Measures target nations with military presence in Greenland, cited for US security needs like Thule Air Base; linked to historical purchase bids and Norway's Nobel decision.
- European Unified Response: EU leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen, pledged "proportional" retaliation via Anti-Coercion Instrument on €93B US goods; Macron called it a "new colonial approach" at Davos.
- Escalating Tensions: UK, Germany, Denmark condemned threats; EU eyes tariffs on US bourbon, wine, tech; dispute strains NATO ahead of Davos talks.
Davos (Washington Insider Megazines) January 20, 2026 – French President Emmanuel Macron warned against a "new colonial approach" after US President Donald Trump declared "no going back" on acquiring Greenland. The exchange occurred ahead of the World Economic Forum in Davos, where transatlantic tensions over the Danish territory escalated. European leaders united in opposition to Trump's tariff threats targeting allies supporting Denmark's sovereignty.
French President Emmanuel Macron delivered pointed criticism of US President Donald Trump's Greenland ambitions during preparations for the Davos World Economic Forum. Macron described the approach as a "new colonial approach," linking it to Trump's announcement of 10% tariffs on exports from eight European nations unless they back his acquisition plans. Trump responded by stating there is "no going back" on securing the strategically vital Arctic territory.
The dispute intensified as Trump shared private messages from Macron and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte on social media. These communications revealed behind-the-scenes diplomacy amid public posturing. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen affirmed EU solidarity with Denmark, stating Greenland's future rests with its people.
Pamela Falk Correspondent United Nations @PamelaFalk said in X post,
“Macron warns against ‘new colonial approach’ after Trump says ‘no going back’ on Greenland – Europe live - The Guardian.”
Macron warns against ‘new colonial approach’ after Trump says ‘no going back’ on Greenland – Europe live - The Guardian https://t.co/9Jru4L9n4a
— Pamela Falk Correspondent United Nations (@PamelaFalk) January 20, 2026
Macron's Davos Speech Highlights Rule Erosion Concerns
Speaking at Davos on Tuesday, Macron stated the world is "shifting to a world without rules." He described NATO as a "weakened institution" in light of Trump's Greenland strategy, which targets Denmark—a NATO ally administering the semi-autonomous territory. Macron urged renewed commitment to multilateralism amid rising unilateral actions.
SK Chakraborty @sanjoychakra said in X post,
“At the World Economic Forum in Davos Tuesday, French President Emmanuel Macron said that the world is experiencing a shift way from the rule of law in the international arena. “We're shifting to a world without rules”. Macron said on Tuesday that the NATO military alliance was now a "weakened institution" in the context of US President Donald Trump's aim to take over Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory. From @BreakingF24”
At the World Economic Forum in Davos Tuesday, French President Emmanuel Macron said that the world is experiencing a shift way from the rule of law in the international arena.
— SK Chakraborty (@sanjoychakra) January 20, 202
“We're shifting to a world without rules”. Macron said on Tuesday that the NATO military alliance… pic.twitter.com/52tf8WFtTq
Macron's remarks followed Trump's tariff announcement on January 17, imposing duties on Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, Netherlands, and Finland. The measures begin at 10% on February 1, rising to 25% by June 1, unless a Greenland deal materialises. Trump cited national security, referencing Thule Air Base and Arctic threats from Russia and China.
In a White House address, Trump linked the tariffs to Norway's 2018 Nobel Prize decision and historical US interest in Greenland. He noted past purchase attempts in 1867, 1946, and 2019, framing current demands as essential for missile defence.
European Leaders Condemn Tariff Threats
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the tariffs "completely wrong," stressing alliance importance. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz termed them "unacceptable pressure." Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp labelled it "blackmail," while Finland expressed economic worries.
Von der Leyen pledged a "united and proportional" reply via the EU's Anti-Coercion Instrument. This "trade bazooka" targets up to €93 billion in US goods, procurement limits, and data restrictions. French President Macron advocated swift activation.
Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reiterated, "Greenland is not for sale." Copenhagen increased Arctic funding, including infrastructure and patrols. The EU committed investment pledges for sustainable development in Greenland.
Private Communications Surface Publicly
Credit: Reuters
Trump posted Macron's text message, verified by the Élysée Palace, addressing shared views on Syria and Iran before questioning the Greenland push: "I don't understand what you are doing." Macron proposed a G7 summit in Paris with Russia on the sidelines.
NATO's Rutte messaged commitment to a Greenland solution, confirmed authentic. Publicly, Rutte avoided specifics, stating such matters remain private. The leaks heightened Davos anticipation, where Trump speaks Wednesday.
Macron accused Trump of seeking to "weaken and subordinate" Europe, per Davos comments. He favoured "respect over bullies," following France's Arctic military pledges. Trump tied tariffs to France's digital tax and wine trade disputes.
Tariff Details and Economic Stakes
Credit: Dursun Aydemir/AA
Targeted nations face exposure: Germany and UK most vulnerable, France risks 200% wine duties. Estimates project €20-30 billion annual trade losses. Fitch Ratings flagged sovereign debt risks and yield increases.
EU countermeasures prioritise US bourbon, motorcycles, soybeans, aircraft, and tech. The 2023 Anti-Coercion Instrument enables IP suspensions and tender bans. Bloomberg detailed preparations for swift implementation.
Implementation awaits a Supreme Court ruling on trade authority. Congressional Democrats oppose, citing NATO strain. Markets dipped 1.2% post-announcement.
Historical and Geostrategic Context
US-Greenland interest spans centuries: Seward's 1867 bid, Truman's $100 million 1946 offer. Trump's 2019 proposal drew Danish ire. Current focus emphasises resources, surveillance against rivals.
Russia and China eye Arctic gains amid friction. Beijing boosts investments; Moscow welcomes NATO divides. EU foreign ministers plan a February summit.
Denmark allocated DKK 1.5 billion for Greenland defence. Trump clarified tariffs as leverage. Davos talks aim de-escalation before February activation.
Davos Agenda and Next Steps
Macron positioned Europe defending rules-based order. Von der Leyen stressed WTO compliance: "A deal is a deal." US Vice President JD Vance defends policy at Davos.
Allies reaffirm NATO Article 5 while preparing economically. Greenland's government welcomes EU aid. Transatlantic trade—€1.2 trillion yearly—hangs in balance.
EU leaders' summit this week explores responses. Trump-NATO talks confirmed, Greenland central. Denmark bolsters presence; US maintains Thule.