Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever has reiterated his strong grievances over what he describes as the US’ “clear lack of respect” towards its European partners on Greenland and broader transatlantic relations.
In a blunt and uncompromising speech, De Wever delivered a stark warning to Europe and its allies, saying that the continent must brace for a prolonged era of geopolitical and economic unrest.
Speaking before an audience of 500 of Belgium’s most senior officials at the Royal Palace in Brussels, he underscored a growing rift between Europe and its transatlantic ally.
De Wever’s address came against the backdrop of the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has, many feel, exposed Europe’s strategic vulnerabilities.
“We must prepare for a long period of geopolitical and economic unrest,” he declared, emphasising that Europe currently lacks the military capability to defend its sovereignty effectively.
“This weakness will persist for years,” he warned, “and it is precisely this vulnerability that our greatest ally is now seeking to exploit.”
De Wever pointed to the US demands regarding Greenland, a European territory that US President Donald Trump wants.
The Belgian PM said his demands showed a “lack of respect” for European countries and he condemned “the presumptuous idea that the right to self-determination of the Greenlandic people should be violently overridden”, adding it “goes completely against who we are”.
He accused Washington of undermining European autonomy, suggesting that the democratic will of European nations was being sidelined.
“The impression is created that the sovereignty of European countries and the democratic will of their peoples no longer matter,” he stated.
De Wever called for Belgians to be vigilant, resilient and dignified.
“With an extended hand to all those who wish to share our values. And there are many,” he said.
De Wever drew a historical comparison to the 500BC Persian Wars, when the Greek city-states of Sparta and Athens united to resist submission to the Persian Empire and preserved their independence.
“We can never tolerate the integrity and right to self-determination of a European ally being put under pressure, even when that pressure comes from the strongest power in the world,” De Wever said.
“Europe, in both the east and the west, must be united.”
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever said the US is crossing red lines in its handling of the Greenland issue and that it could herald the end of an era. https://t.co/itSgJfWh3W
— Brussels Signal (@brusselssignal) January 21, 2026
