WEF 2026: EU leaders warn against lawless world order
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, French President Emmanuel Macron said that “new tariffs are unacceptable, especially when used as leverage against territorial sovereignty.”
Macron warned that the world is reaching a phase of instability and imbalance affecting both security and the economy, noting that there are “more than 50 wars, even if I am told some have been resolved,” and that the world is moving toward “a lawless order where international law is trampled and imperial ambitions resurface,” CE Report quotes ANSA.
He stressed that France and Europe place great importance on sovereignty, independence, and respect for international law, explaining,
“This is why we decided to deploy our forces in Greenland,” he explains.
Macron said Europeans have long been left alone in failing to defend their companies, but under current conditions of disregard for global rules and fair competition, the economic anti-coercion instrument is a powerful tool that Europe should not hesitate to use.
He warned against passively accepting the “law of the strongest,” which leads to vassalization and “politics of blood,” saying that accepting “a new colonial law makes no sense.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that geopolitical shocks can and must represent an opportunity for Europe. She described the current seismic change as a chance, and a necessity, to build a new form of European independence, noting that this has long been a structural imperative.
Von der Leyen said the additional tariffs proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump are a mistake, especially between long-standing allies. She recalled that the EU and the United States reached a trade agreement last July, stressing that “an agreement is an agreement,” and that Europe’s response would be firm, united, and proportionate.
She emphasized full solidarity with Greenland and Denmark, stating that their sovereignty and territorial integrity are non-negotiable, and announced a major European investment plan for Greenland, along with cooperation with the United States and partners on Arctic security.
Von der Leyen also highlighted the signing of the EU–Mercosur trade agreement in Paraguay as a historic breakthrough after 25 years of negotiations, saying it sends a strong message in favor of fair trade, partnership, and sustainability. She added that the EU is working on new free trade agreements with Australia and advancing talks with several other countries.
She announced plans to present the 28th EU regime, aiming to create a single European corporate structure called “EU Inc.,” allowing companies to register anywhere in the EU within 48 hours and operate under a unified set of rules.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb said recent discussions on Greenland give him hope, calling for a way out of the crisis following renewed statements by Donald Trump on annexing the island.
Diplomatic sources said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is not expected to arrive in Davos, reportedly due to ongoing bombardments in Ukraine.
Photo World Economic Forum
