Europe at Davos: Leaders confront the collapse of the rules‑based order

February 8, 2026 Emma Walker – News Editor News
If there was a sense of panic gripping European leaders at last week’s conclave of elites at the World Economic Forum, thay could be forgiven a moment of relief as they departed the snowy peaks of Davos.
That was not only as US President Donald Trump gave a long, rambling speech to rule out taking the Danish territory of Greenland by force.

Nor was it just the meeting on the sidelines with Nato chief Mark Rutte, which produced a formula to defuse immediate tensions by designating US military bases on the island as sovereign territory and getting Trump to drop his request to purchase it.

The real source of relief was the fact that Trump did not spend his time in Davos berating allies over trade imbalances, defense spending, or climate change. instead, he offered a surprisingly conciliatory message, even suggesting cooperation on issues such as energy and technology.

This shift in tone has led some observers to speculate that Trump is softening his stance on international relations. others believe it is merely a tactical move,designed to create a more favourable environment for trade negotiations. Whatever the reason, the change was welcomed by European leaders, who have grown accustomed to Trump’s unpredictable behavior.

But the relief may be short-lived. Trump’s willingness to compromise on Greenland does not necessarily signal a broader change in his foreign policy. He remains deeply sceptical of multilateral institutions and committed to putting America first.

Moreover, the underlying tensions that have strained relations between the US and its allies remain unresolved. Trade imbalances persist, defence spending is still a point of contention, and climate change continues to be a divisive issue. These challenges will not disappear simply because Trump offered a few kind words in Davos.

Indeed,the very fact that Trump felt the need to address the Greenland issue in such a dramatic fashion suggests that his instincts remain those of a dealmaker,willing to use unorthodox tactics to achieve his goals.

European leaders may have breathed a sigh of relief at Davos, but they should not assume that the storm has passed. The US remains a powerful and unpredictable force in the world, and its relationship with its allies will continue to be fraught with challenges.

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