Greenland’s situations is not so far from the Aegean

All eyes in Europe are on Greenland, where U.S. President Donald Trump is once again challenging international law, testing the limits of the EU, and essentially threatening to destabilize NATO. This is of direct concern to Greece, as it may set a “bad precedent” for the Aegean.

Not only because Trump’s disregard for international law inaugurates a global order where “might makes right,” thus fueling Turkey’s ambitions. But because it confirms that the U.S. president is unwilling to let “insignificant details” such as international law, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and even alliances, stand in the way of his business and energy plans.

For this reason, while the Greek government has swiftly declared its commitment to the U.S. alliance through recent energy agreements, it is practically aligning itself with Europe in respecting international law, while naturally avoiding taking a direct stand against Trump.

It is noteworthy that Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, during his meeting yesterday with President of the Republic Kostas Tasoulas, emphasized the need: “For reason and dialogue to prevail so that we avoid the worst in EU-U.S. relations.”

He did not hide his concern about the fact that: “Fundamental principles on which post-war peace and prosperity were built are being challenged.” He also reaffirmed Greece’s commitment to multilateralism and international law, noting that: “Greece has strategic relations with the U.S., but is also a member of the EU and a non-permanent member of the Security Council.”

From Davos to Brussels

Mitsotakis is traveling today to Davos for the World Economic Forum and tomorrow to Brussels for the emergency EU Summit. In Davos, attention will turn to Trump’s speech, following the intervention of French President Emmanuel Macron, who signaled to the U.S. president that he prefers “respect over bullies” and “the rule of law over barbarity.” At the emergency Summit in Brussels, EU leaders will decide how to handle Trump’s threats.

It is also worth noting that yesterday in the European Parliament, both the European People’s Party and Socialists agreed to “freeze” the trade agreement reached last year between the U.S. and the EU, which aimed to eliminate tariffs on U.S. exports to Europe.

Meanwhile, Greece and other EU countries, except for Hungary’s Orban, seem to be inclined to reject Trump’s invitation to participate in the “Peace Council” for Gaza.

Government officials said: “It is a complex legal issue, which we are examining in consultation with our European partners. The broader framework of the peace process, based on Trump’s 20-point plan, is provided in UN Security Council Resolution 2803, which Greece voted in favor of. Greece, as an elected member of the UN Security Council, always operates within the United Nations framework.”