Trump reaches out to Greenland and threatens punitive tariffs again. Instead of jumping up and fighting back, phrases are first thrown out.
E Grandpa, please wake up! This is what one would like to shout at the EU politicians who are dragging themselves through the roaring 20s of the 21st century like sleepwalkers and have still not found an answer to the imperial policies of US President Donald Trump. Trump’s actions are no surprise. Right after starting his second term on January 20, 2025, the MAGA man declared that he “must have” Greenland. Shortly afterwards he imposed absurd punitive tariffs on the EU and the rest of the world.
That was a wake-up call. The Europeans should have woken up even then. But because they didn’t take the threats against Greenland seriously and trade was a top priority, they allowed themselves to be blackmailed and made a bad deal. This is now taking revenge. Trump reaches out to Greenland and threatens punitive tariffs again. He even goes one better and tries to divide the EU: only Western Europeans should pay higher tariffs, Eastern Europe is spared.
It’s déjà vu – not the pleasant kind, but a nightmare kind. But Europe is still not really awake. Instead of jumping up and striking back quickly, the EU politicians First of all, phrases are thrown out.
We are committed to the principles of international law, territorial integrity and national sovereignty, wrote EU Council President António Costa two days after Trump’s attack. Resistance? No! This should only follow at a special summit – perhaps. First of all, they want to take the path of dialogue, it is said in Brussels. So the policy of appeasement will continue. Of all places, the World Economic Forum in Davos is becoming a beacon of hope, because that is where the elite will meet with Trump.
No salvation in Davos
No, no salvation can be expected from Davos; this power struggle cannot be solved with big window speeches and small backroom deals. The time for dialogue is over, Europe must put the instruments of torture on the table. Trump would interpret anything else as a sign of weakness – and follow up. Next could be Iceland or Canada. And then the Emperor also has the opportunity to abandon Ukraine and blackmail the EU with fear of war.
That is the core of the problem: the EU has become vulnerable to blackmail through its fixation on Ukraine. She has made one concession after another in the misguided hope of appeasing Trump and at least keeping him in line in Ukraine. This hope has not been fulfilled, on the contrary. Trump is increasingly reducing aid to Ukraine, while at the same time he is increasingly tightening the thumbscrews for the EU. Well Europeans are facing a two-front war. If they don’t finally wake up in this desperate situation and fight back, they can no longer be helped.
Together for a free press
As a cooperative, we belong to our readers. And our journalism is not only 100% non-corporate, but also accessible free of charge. We make all articles freely available, without a paywall. Especially in these times, classifications and information must be accessible to everyone. Our readers don’t have to pay anything, but they know that critical, independent journalism doesn’t emerge from nothing. We are very grateful for that. So that we can continue to do our journalism tomorrow, we need more support. Our next goal: 50,000 – and with your participation we can do it. Set an example for the taz and for the future of our journalism. With just 5 euros you are there!
Support now