On the second day of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, US President Donald Trump is expected to promote a proposed “Board of Peace”, an international body aimed at resolving global conflicts. He is also scheduled to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss the possibility of a ceasefire in Ukraine.
The developments come a day after Trump made a sharp policy reversal on Greenland, withdrawing trade tariffs he had threatened to impose on several European countries following talks with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.
Tariff Threats Withdrawn After NATO Talks
On Wednesday, Trump announced that he would drop tariffs of up to 25% that were set to take effect from February 1 on Denmark and seven other European allies. The tariffs had been introduced days earlier as part of pressure tactics linked to Trump’s long-standing demand for greater US control over Greenland.
Trump said the decision followed agreement with NATO leadership on a “framework of a future deal” centred on Arctic security, after discussions held on the sidelines of the Davos summit.
What Is the Greenland ‘Framework’?
Posting on social media, Trump described his meeting with NATO’s chief as “very productive,” saying it resulted in a framework for future cooperation on Greenland and the wider Arctic region.
NATO also confirmed that the talks were constructive, stating that any framework under discussion would focus on maintaining security and stability in the Arctic. However, Secretary-General Mark Rutte clarified that Greenland’s political status was not discussed, adding that the question of whether it would remain part of Denmark did not arise during the meeting.
Trump has repeatedly argued in the past that the US must control Greenland — an autonomous territory within the Danish kingdom that hosts a US airbase — citing concerns over Russian and Chinese influence in the mineral-rich Arctic.
Relief in Denmark After Diplomatic De-Escalation
Trump’s earlier warnings had triggered one of the most serious transatlantic tensions in decades, raising fears that pressure on Denmark could undermine NATO unity.
His shift in tone brought relief in Copenhagen, where the tariff threats had caused widespread political unease.
“Trump says he will pause the trade war and that he will not attack Greenland. These are positive messages,” Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen told public broadcaster DR.
EU Freezes US Trade Deal Vote
Despite the easing of tensions, the fallout continues in Brussels. The European Parliament has paused the ratification process of a major EU–US trade agreement, citing concerns over Trump’s recent actions.
The Parliament’s trade committee had been expected to vote on its position on January 26–27, but the decision has now been postponed.
Committee chair Bernd Lange said the US had undermined trust by using tariffs as leverage.
“By threatening the territorial integrity and sovereignty of an EU member state and using tariffs as a coercive tool, the US is undermining the stability and predictability of EU–US trade relations,” Lange said in a statement.
