Macron Takes Defiant Stance Against Trump's Greenland Demands at Davos Forum
French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a scathing rebuke of U.S. President Donald Trump's threats to impose steep tariffs on European goods unless allowed to take over Greenland. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Macron declared that Europe would not yield to intimidation or accept what he called "the law of the strongest."
Europe's Firm Stand Against Coercion
While other European leaders have maintained measured tones to prevent escalation in the trans-Atlantic dispute, Macron came out swinging with forceful rhetoric. "We do prefer respect to bullies," Macron stated emphatically. "And we do prefer rule of law to brutality." The French leader warned that passive acceptance would lead to Europe's "vassalization" and emphasized that the continent must continue standing up for territorial sovereignty despite what he described as a shift toward a world without rules.
Macron's comments came directly after Trump threatened massive tariffs against French wine and champagne and publicly posted private messages exchanged with the French president—an unusual breach of diplomatic protocol. The U.S. president had already vowed on Saturday to implement escalating tariffs beginning February 1 against several European allies, including France, until Washington is permitted to acquire Greenland.
Potential EU Countermeasures and Emergency Summit
The French president characterized Washington's "endless accumulation" of new tariffs as "fundamentally unacceptable," particularly when used as leverage against territorial sovereignty. In response to the growing crisis, EU leaders have scheduled an emergency summit in Brussels for Thursday evening specifically addressing the Greenland situation.
European officials are considering multiple countermeasures, including activating previously suspended tariffs on 93 billion euros worth of U.S. goods that could take effect as early as February 6. Macron has advocated for the EU to potentially deploy its Anti-Coercion Instrument for the first time—informally known as the "trade bazooka"—which could restrict U.S. access to public tenders or limit trade in services such as technology platforms.
Deteriorating Trans-Atlantic Relations
The relationship between the United States and Europe has deteriorated significantly over Trump's push to acquire sovereignty over the Arctic island from Denmark, a fellow NATO member. This confrontation has rattled European industries and sent shockwaves through financial markets. Adding to the tension, Trump has taken offense at France's reluctance to join his proposed Board of Peace, a new international organization he would lead, with Paris expressing concerns about its potential impact on the United Nations' role.
When questioned about Macron's position on the Board of Peace, Trump responded late Monday: "I'll put a 200% tariff on his wines and champagnes, and he'll join, but he doesn't have to join." Hours later, the U.S. president published on his Truth Social account a screenshot of a private exchange with Macron in which the French leader expressed confusion about Trump's Greenland actions and offered to host a G7 meeting including Russia.
No Planned Meeting Between Leaders
Macron confirmed he has no intention of extending his Davos stay to Wednesday when Trump arrives in the Swiss resort town. "I don't have to change my schedule," he stated, noting his departure had been planned well in advance. The French president, who will leave office in mid-2027, has experienced a relationship with Trump marked by fluctuations since the American leader's first term, alternating between diplomatic flattery and tougher rhetoric.
French officials have long defended Macron's direct engagement approach with Trump, noting the two leaders frequently communicate through impromptu calls and text messages outside formal diplomatic channels. Those close to Macron believe he's being specifically targeted by Trump precisely because he's standing up for democratic principles. As Pieyre-Alexandre Langlade, a lawmaker in Macron's camp, told Reuters: "By leading the resistance, France becomes a target."
During his Davos speech, Macron wore aviator sunglasses, which the Elysee Palace explained were necessary to protect his eyes due to a burst blood vessel. The visual of the sunglasses-clad president delivering his defiant message against economic coercion created a striking image of European resistance to what Macron characterized as bullying tactics.
