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In Davos you emphasize your own strength

Davos revolves around a man who is not even on site. However, European top politicians use the World Economic Forum to put their position on President Trump: You want to reflect on your strength.

Kathrin Hondl

“What is your message about Trump?”, The world media gathered in Davos wanted to know from the Ukrainian president – but Wolodymyr Selenskyj stayed silent and then delivered a message to Europe in his speech. For Europe, it is crucial to maintain unity and to establish itself as an independent strong player in the world so that the world could not afford to ignore Europe, says Selenskyj.

Almost three years after the beginning of the Russian major attack on his country, the Ukrainian president demanded more investments in safety and defense – as much as was really necessary for security. And that could also be the five percent of the gross domestic product required by Donald Trump, said Selenskyj. If it takes five percent for defense, it is just that.

In order not only to be relevant, but also alive and big, Europe has to shape history. “Make Europe Great Again” – that's how Selenskyj's message could be summarized.

From the Leyen warns of trade wars

And at least as far as the consequences of the speakers were concerned at the start of the World Economic Forum, it said in Davos on day 1 of the Trump government: Europa First. In her opening speech, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen did not mention the name Trump once, but she also had the European muscles play.

From the Leyen warned of trade wars and recalled the European trading volume of 1.5 trillion euros – 30 percent of the world trade. There is a lot at stake for all sides. And for the Europeans, according to the Leyen, the race starts at home. Europe has to “switch a gear higher.” Specifically, it demanded more speed for a European capital market union, progress in the energy transition, in reducing bureaucracy and digitization.

Scholz wants more resistant Europe

Chancellor Scholz, who also advocated prudence, also spoke very similarly, and said that not every statement in Washington should “plunge into excited existential debates”.

“We Europeans have to be strong out of ourselves. We have to stick together with each other and with partners worldwide. We have to become more competitive and resistant,” said Scholz. Europe also has that stuff. “As a community with more than 450 million Europeans, we have economic weight.”

Trump and his government would now keep the world in suspense for years, said Scholz and confidently gave himself: “We are and will handle all of this.”

Kathrin Hondl, ARD Geneva, Tagesschau, 21.01.2025 5:42 p.m.

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