"I do not want Atlanticism to collapse, but if that happens, globalization will follow. This is clear. We cannot remain passive and soft in such a world," Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever stated on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) conference in Davos, Switzerland, on 20/1, addressing the relationship between Europe and the United States.
De Wever believes Europe needs to "wake up and rearm" to cope with the "structural transformation" in the United States. According to the Belgian prime minister, Europe "has become entirely dependent on technology we neither own nor control."
"We are somewhat naive, and it is time to wake up. Europe needs its own technological foundations to build its future prosperity. Otherwise, United States President Donald Trump could turn Europe into slaves, and then we would have to accept everything he does," the Belgian prime minister warned.
According to him, Europe has grown accustomed to "pleasant presidents like Barack Obama" and thus fails to recognize that the change in the United States is not tied to any specific presidential term.
"It is a structural change. The United States has turned towards the Pacific and away from the Atlantic. That will not change even after Trump's term ends," De Wever stated.
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Belgian prime minister Bart De Wever attends the 56th World Economic Forum conference in Davos, Switzerland, on 20/1. Photo: Reuters |
He also emphasized that Europe is under "immense pressure" from the Trump administration's tariffs and recent threats regarding the United States' annexation of Greenland.
"Until now, we have tried to appease the new president in the White House. We have been very soft, even on tariff issues, hoping to gain his support in the war in Ukraine. But now, too many red lines have been crossed," De Wever said. "Voluntary cooperation and concession are one thing; becoming miserable slaves is another. If we back down now, we will lose our dignity, and in a democracy, perhaps nothing is more valuable than dignity."
De Wever and Belgian King Philippe are scheduled to meet the United States president on 21/1, when Trump attends the WEF in Davos. "I will tell him, 'you are crossing red lines here'," the Belgian prime minister stressed.
The United States president has recently asserted the need to control Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, while also leaving open the possibility of using force to achieve this goal, despite opposition from Copenhagen and many European countries.
On 17/1, Trump threatened to impose a 10% tariff on all goods imported from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland. This tariff would take effect from 1/2 and increase to 25% in early June. According to him, this measure would remain until the United States reaches an agreement to purchase Greenland.
On 19/1, the United States president threatened to impose a 200% tariff on French wine and champagne after President Emmanuel Macron refused to join the Gaza Peace Council.
Europe is considering countermeasures after Trump threatened tariffs. European Union leaders will hold an emergency summit in Brussels, Belgium, on 22/1 to discuss a response to the Greenland issue, one of the most serious crises in recent years affecting transatlantic relations.
By Huyen Le (According to Guardian, The Hill)
