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Greenland row looms over World Economic Forum in Davos

20.01.2026 14:30
The deepening transatlantic dispute over the Arctic island of Greenland is overshadowing this year’s World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, as global political tensions intrude on an event traditionally focused on economic cooperation.
Audio
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Photo:EPA/GIAN EHRENZELLER

The annual forum, which opened in the Swiss mountain resort on Monday, has brought together political leaders, business executives and civil society representatives from about 130 countries to discuss global challenges under the theme “A Spirit of Dialogue.”

The agenda centres on the geopolitical environment, AI, climate and nature, new sources of economic growth, and “people and preparedness.” 

President Karol Nawrocki is leading the Polish delegation to the meeting.

This year’s gathering is also being shaped by strained relations between the United States and Europe following recent remarks by US President Donald Trump about Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark.

Trump is expected to meet global business leaders in Davos on Wednesday, and his stance on Greenland has cast a shadow over the forum.

Trump said on Monday that the United States would discuss acquiring Greenland during the Davos meeting, arguing that Denmark is unable to adequately protect the strategically located Arctic territory.

Denmark and Greenland have rejected the idea, and Danish officials are not attending the forum amid the escalating dispute.

Trump has also threatened to impose additional tariffs on eight European countries unless ownership of the island is transferred to the United States.

Separately, Trump is expected to use the Davos forum to outline further details of his proposed "Board of Peace," an initiative he has said is aimed at resolving global conflicts.

(ab/gs)

Click on the audio player above for a report by Agnieszka Bielawska.