Europe must draw firm limits with US President Donald Trump as his rhetoric and trade threats intensify, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever said during the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Speaking on the sidelines of the gathering, De Wever warned that leniency toward Trump only emboldens him. He said Europe must focus urgently on restoring competitiveness while confronting new geopolitical and economic pressures from Washington. Trump’s recent comments on Greenland and repeated tariff threats, he added, have created an additional challenge for the European Union.
De Wever is due to meet Trump on Wednesday alongside Belgium’s King Philippe and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. However, he questioned whether the meeting would actually take place, noting Trump’s unpredictable approach to diplomacy.
Tariff pressure escalates
Earlier this week, Trump threatened to impose 200 percent tariffs on French wine and champagne after President Emmanuel Macron declined to join a proposed US-led “Board of Peace,” initially linked to Gaza. In addition, Trump has floated tariffs of up to 10 percent on European countries that have sent troops to Greenland, with the figure potentially rising to 25 percent in June.
In response, De Wever stated that Europe must reinforce its single market, enhance competitiveness, and establish new global partnerships. He argued that EU leaders must act decisively and allow the European Council to set a clear and unified agenda.
Red lines for NATO allies
Meanwhile, in a separate interview with Belgian broadcaster VRT NWS, De Wever said Europe must not tolerate threats of military action against allied territory. He stressed that while Trump’s past demands for higher defence spending were understandable, threats involving NATO land crossing an unprecedented line.
The issue is expected to dominate discussions at an informal European Council meeting on Thursday. De Wever said the moment for hesitation has passed and Europe must now respond with resolve.
