Davos 2026: Von der Leyen Rallies US Lawmakers as Greenland Crisis Overshadows WEF
DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan 20 — The World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos has opened under the shadow of an unprecedented transatlantic rift, as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen held urgent talks with US lawmakers to address President Donald Trump’s ultimatum regarding the purchase of Greenland.
In a high-stakes meeting with a bipartisan delegation from the US Congress on Monday, von der Leyen drew a firm red line, asserting that the sovereignty of Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark must be "unequivocally respected."
The diplomatic scramble follows President Trump’s renewed threat to impose punitive tariffs on European allies if Denmark refuses to negotiate the sale of the semi-autonomous Arctic territory.
"Sovereignty is Non-Negotiable"
Writing on social media shortly after the meeting, von der Leyen emphasized that respecting Danish sovereignty is "of utmost importance" to the transatlantic relationship.
"In Davos, I met with a bipartisan delegation from the United States Congress," she stated. "I addressed the need to unequivocally respect the sovereignty of Greenland and of the Kingdom of Denmark. At the same time, the European Union remains ready to continue working closely with the United States, NATO, and other allies... to advance our shared security interests."
The Commission President also warned that a trade war would benefit no one. "We also discussed transatlantic trade and investment. They are a major asset for both the EU and US economies. Tariffs run counter to these shared interests," she added.
The Tariff Clock is Ticking
The standoff escalated over the weekend when President Trump, citing "national security," demanded that Denmark transfer control of Greenland to the United States to counter growing Chinese and Russian influence in the Arctic.
Trump has issued a strict timeline: if no agreement is reached, a 10% tariff will be levied on goods from eight European nations—including Denmark, the UK, Germany, and France—starting February 1, 2026. He warned that this rate would climb to 25% on June 1, 2026, if the impasse continues.
"It is time for Denmark to give back," Trump declared, arguing that years of US military protection warrant the territorial transfer.
Allies Push Back: "Completely Wrong"
The threat has drawn sharp rebukes from across Europe. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, speaking earlier in the week, broke with the US President on the issue, terming the use of tariffs against allies as "completely wrong."
"Greenland belongs to its people and to Denmark. That right is fundamental," Starmer said. He highlighted that while the High North requires stronger collective defense due to opening sea routes and climate change, such cooperation must be based on respect, not coercion.
Davos on Edge
With President Trump set to arrive in Davos later this week, the atmosphere at the Swiss resort is tense. European leaders are scrambling to present a united front, hoping to leverage support from moderate US lawmakers to de-escalate the situation before the February 1 deadline.
Von der Leyen reiterated that the EU is prepared to coordinate on security guarantees for the Arctic but maintained that territorial integrity is off the table. Discussions also touched on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with both sides agreeing that strong EU-US coordination remains vital for a "just and lasting peace."
