Bully Trump Backs Down On Greenland After EU Stands Its Ground

Europe’s top leaders have claimed a diplomatic victory after Donald Trump retreated from threats over Greenland, with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen saying the bloc was “successful in being firm” — even as officials warned the episode has badly damaged transatlantic trust.

Speaking after an emergency summit in Brussels, von der Leyen said Europe’s united stance helped defuse a confrontation that had spiralled during last week’s World Economic Forum in Davos. The crisis was triggered by Trump’s renewed insistence that the US “needs” Greenland, accompanied by threats of steep tariffs and hints of military pressure before Washington abruptly softened its tone.

While no formal sanctions were imposed, EU leaders had privately discussed deploying so-called “trade bazooka” countermeasures. The European Parliament had already frozen ratification of a planned EU-US trade deal in protest at US pressure tactics.

Despite the apparent climbdown, senior officials warned the damage was done. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said transatlantic relations had taken “a big blow” over the past week, even as she stressed Europe would not abandon 80 years of cooperation with Washington.

European Council President Antonio Costa said the EU would “defend itself, its member states and its companies against any form of coercion,” while French President Emmanuel Macron warned that Europe remained “extremely vigilant” and ready to act again if threatened.

Trump further inflamed tensions by claiming NATO allies stayed “off the front lines” in Afghanistan and by suggesting Europe would be speaking German “and a little Japanese” without US protection.

In Davos, von der Leyen said the episode underlined the need for Europe to accelerate strategic independence, including a new EU security strategy due later this year and an expanded Arctic policy.

Key Takeaways

• EU leaders say unity and firmness forced Trump to back down on Greenland, averting a trade and security crisis.

• Trust with Washington has been shaken, with officials warning transatlantic relations have suffered lasting damage.

• Europe is accelerating plans for strategic independence, including its own security and Arctic strategies.

SOURCE DAILY MAIL

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/trump-america-europe-nato-president-36603595.amp

Well, guys, it will be tough because the resentment grows deeper by the day. Tourists are refusing to visit. Canadians openly boo the US national anthem at sports fixtures and their military chiefs have wargamed a US invasion. The top app in Denmark is one that shows which American products to boycott.