The German daily “Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung” emphasizes that the proposal to take over Greenland by the US is an unprecedented situation in the relations of democratic countries. The article notes that such behavior is reminiscent of “abuse of allies”, which was previously typical of practices known from the Warsaw Pact era. The newspaper also draws attention to Trump's strengthening relations with Vladimir Putin, which – according to the daily – undermines the sense of NATO's existence as a guarantor of security in Europe.
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“FAZ” estimates that a weakened Europe becomes an easy target for leaders such as Trump or Putin. Although the United States did not leave NATO during Trump's presidency, and the American military presence in Europe still acts as a deterrent, the loss of trust in the United States among its allies is, according to the newspaper, irreversible.
Greenland and customs: difficult choices for Chancellor Merz
In turn, “Sueddeutsche Zeitung” focuses on the difficult situation of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who has to face the consequences of Trump's policy. In the context of the dispute over Greenland, the daily notes that the political capital of the German leader “is melting quickly like ice under the Florida sun.” Trump, despite his alleged sympathy for Merz, did not refrain from announcing new tariffs against Germany and other European countries that support Denmark in defending its territory.
“SZ” emphasizes that Merz must balance between various goals: on the one hand, pursue the vision of a more assertive Europe, and on the other hand, avoid actions that could harm Ukraine. The daily indicates that Europe needs to develop a unified strategy towards Trump, consisting of offering compromises where possible and decisive opposition where necessary.
Read also: Will Donald Trump hit Europe with tariffs? “100 percent”
The dispute over Greenland and the future of NATO
Trump's statements regarding Greenland, as “SZ” notes, are “absurd.” The newspaper predicts that the American president may abandon support for Ukraine, and giving Greenland to the United States would further weaken NATO, instead of strengthening it. According to the daily, submission to Trump only strengthens his megalomania.
Additionally, “SZ” is critical of Trump's proposal to create a Peace Council, describing it as a “private club of tycoons”which will not gain recognition among European leaders.
Greenland in the spotlight at the Davos forum
The growing dispute over Greenland, the largest island in the world, has become one of the main topics of the World Economic Forum taking place in Davos. Trump has repeatedly announced that the United States intends to take over the island, without ruling out the use of military force. This conflict, according to the German media, exposes deep divisions in transatlantic relations and puts Europe in the face of the need to redefine its policy towards the US.
Read also: Donald Trump wants to buy Greenland. This isn't the first time the US has done something similar
