Can Europe break with Trump? A tale of energy, defence, economic dependence
Al Jazeera
Trump has angered European leaders with his Greenland ambitions and tariffs-for-all-who-oppose approach.
Transatlantic tensions over Greenland have ratcheted up between the United States and European nations as President Donald Trump doubles down on his ambitions to acquire the self-governing island, which is part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
In a social media post following a phone call with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte on Tuesday, Trump said there is “no going back” on Washington’s plans. Trump added that he would meet “the various parties” in Davos, Switzerland, during this week’s annual summit of the World Economic Forum (WEF).
Last weekend, Trump threatened to increase trade tariffs for European countries which oppose his attempt to acquire Greenland. Since the tariff threats, the European Union has been contemplating its response, with some members calling for the implementation of the bloc’s never-before-used “trade bazooka” option of retaliatory tariffs and restrictions.
Given Europe’s decades-long dependence on Washington, which has only deepened in recent years, could the EU take action against the US, and could that risk a serious transatlantic rift?
Trump made a series of posts on his Truth Social platform on Tuesday, reiterating his ambition to acquire Greenland and stating that he would meet European leaders in Davos to discuss the issue.
Aid cuts, conflict and economic collapse push millions of Yemenis towards severe hunger in 2026.
Dozens of people wounded in the crash in Cordoba province.
European countries targeted by Trump’s latest tariffs say they are united on ‘upholding our sovereignty’.
Authorities have deployed mobile intensive care units to the crash site near Adamuz, where 25 people are injured.
More than 200,000 people in the Russian-occupied part of Zaporizhia are without power after a Ukrainian strike.
Syria’s army accelerates its campaign, securing key infrastructure and forcing Kurdish-led SDF retreat.
The country’s supreme leader says foreign-backed protests ‘caused massive damage and killed several thousands’.
US president says eight countries to face tariffs over opposition to US control of semi-autonomous Danish territory.
Copenhagen rally organiser says ‘world must wake up’ as Donald Trump threatens to seize self-governing Danish island.
Museveni, 81, secured 71.65 percent support, electoral commission says, after contentious election campaign.
Israeli raids cause rising casualties in Gaza, as attacks persist despite the ceasefire agreement.
Despite Iran’s vulnerable position, any US strikes could risk triggering a protracted conflict, analysts say.
National Unity Platform says opposition presidential candidate seized from his home a day after tense election.