European leaders unwavering after Trump's warnings over Greenland

European leaders are trying to present a united front in Davos, Switzerland, after US President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on European countries that oppose the United States' acquisition of Greenland.

French President Emmanuel Macron said the European Union should not submit to the "law of the strong," adding that it was "madness" that the bloc was being forced to consider using its "anti-coercion instrument" against the United States.

"We believe we need more growth, we need more stability in this world, but we prefer respect to bullying," Macron said at the World Economic Forum's annual meeting, a day before Trump's arrival in Switzerland.

Without directly referring to Trump, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed the need to respond to seismic changes in the world and said the speed and scale of change have created a consensus in Europe for independence.

"It is time to seize this opportunity and build a new, independent Europe," she said in a speech.

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever said the 27-member bloc is "at a crossroads" as it decides how to get out of a "very bad position" after trying to appease Trump to secure his support for the war in Ukraine.

“So we need to come together and say to Donald Trump … 'You're crossing red lines here.' Either we stand together, or we'll stand divided,” De Wever said during a discussion.

Europeans divided on how to respond to Trump

Trump announced on Saturday the imposition of tariffs on imports from friendly European countries, which oppose the US acquisition of Greenland.

Greenland is a semi-autonomous island belonging to Denmark.

European governments, which are facing growing challenges from populist and nationalist parties, have been divided over how to respond to the threat of tariffs while maintaining U.S. support for Ukraine.

Macron said Europe must not accept a world where might makes law and called for bold action to protect European industries.

"Let's not be shy. Let's not be divided. Let's not accept a global order that will be divided by those who claim to have the biggest voice," Macron said.

European countries say Trump's threat of new tariffs would violate a trade deal reached with the US last year, and EU leaders are expected to discuss possible countermeasures at an emergency summit in Brussels on Thursday.

However, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expressed confidence that the United States and European countries would find a solution and avoid what some have warned could turn into a protracted trade war.

"Why are we jumping in there right away? Why are you taking the situation to the worst-case scenario? ... Stop the hysteria. Take a deep breath," he said.

Meanwhile, US trade envoy Jamieson Greer warned European countries not to use the "bazooka" of tariffs against his country, saying it would "not be wise"./REL