A demonstrator wearing a Trump look at the anti-WEF demo in Davos on Sunday.Image: keystone
analysis
Donald Trump wants to conquer Greenland at all costs and is seeking total confrontation with Europe. Neutral Switzerland is threatened with a breaking point – and not just for this reason.
Jan 20, 2026, 4:29 p.mJan 20, 2026, 4:29 p.m
Donald Trump’s imperialism with its threatening gestures against Greenland and the Europeans is a challenge for neutral states like Austria and Switzerland. That shows a joint interview with the NZZ with Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis and his counterpart Beate Meinl-Reisinger. However, their answers differ significantly.
The Austrian showed a clear edge. Trump’s threats were “unacceptable,” explained Meinl-Reisinger: “Denmark and Greenland have made it very clear that they neither want to be bought nor annexed.” The Swiss, on the other hand, ducked away in his usual manner: “We are following developments with concern,” said Cassis.
Beate Meinl-Reisiniger (l.) speaks plainly about Greenland, Ignazio Cassis rambles.Image: keystone
Cassis fumed that he “couldn’t give an answer” to the “hypothetical scenario” of a military intervention by the USA. “If it were to become a reality, it would undoubtedly be a turning point,” he admitted. There were no clearer words to be heard from the Foreign Minister. It is increasingly obvious: Donald Trump wants to own Greenland.
Americans don’t want Greenland
The US President is not interested in an expanded military presence or raw materials. He could have both today. Russia and China are also just an excuse. Donald Trump wants to expand the territory of the USA to include the world’s largest island. Very few people live there and it is under the control of a small European state.
The open conflict with the Europeans and the collapse of NATO Trump doesn’t just accept it. He never misses an opportunity to snub the allies. It doesn’t matter that he either a majority of Americans are against them. Almost 90 percent do not want a military conquest of Greenland, and even a purchase is rejected by the majority.
There is “no going back” for Trump
Americans seem to be aware that Greenlanders have no desire to live under the thumb of the modern Julius Caesar. Because that’s what Donald Trump is all about: He wants to immortalize himself in history at all costs. At the same time, the soon-to-be 80-year-old president is running out of time. So he throws himself on Greenland as an “easy” victim.
Republican US Senator Lisa Murkowski (r.) demonstrated demonstrative solidarity with Denmark in Copenhagen on Saturday. Image: keystone
On Tuesday he announced a meeting on Greenland and at the same time emphasized that there was “no turning back”. It should take place at the WEF in Davoswhere he will perform on Wednesday. Everything seems possible, including total escalation. As the host country, this could put Switzerland in an uncomfortable position because it has further work to do with Trump:
Greenland
Ignazio Cassis wasn’t the only one who avoided making a clear statement. Defense Minister Martin Pfister also remained non-committal on the hot topic of Greenland during his troop visit to the WEF. The EDA Department of Foreign Affairs, in turn, was only able to come to a clear statement after being asked by various media outlets.
«Switzerland’s position is clear. According to international law, Greenland belongs to Denmark with extensive autonomy status,” the EDA told the Tages-Anzeiger. Any change to this status requires the consent of Denmark and Greenland. “The rules of the UN Charter such as the prohibition of violence and the prohibition of intervention apply worldwide.”
It remains unclear how Switzerland will react if Donald Trump flouts these rules. The SVP and other guardians of neutrality would at best tolerate a weak protest. However, if there is a total break between the USA and Europe, maneuvering between the fronts will become practically untenable for Switzerland.
Peace Council
Turkish President Erdogan is also invited to Trump’s “Board of Peace”, to Israel’s displeasure.Image: keystone
The Board of Peace was originally part of Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan. It is now becoming apparent that the US President wants to expand the Peace Council into an “alternative UN” under his sole chairmanship. It seems to be another piece of the mosaic in his effort to expand “America First” around the world.
Numerous countries were invited to participate, including China and Russia. France wants to stay away for the time being, which is why Trump is threatening a 200 percent tariff on champagne and wine. According to CH Media, Switzerland also has received an invitation. However, the Foreign Ministry is once again hesitant to comment.
A spokeswoman told CH Media that they wanted to examine the proposal “carefully” and hold discussions with the actors involved. A problem is likely to be not only the “joining fee” of one billion dollars, but also neutrality. One inevitably thinks of the lengthy debate about Switzerland’s accession to the UN.
Trade/Tariffs
The most important construction site in the relationship with Trump’s America is the trade agreement sought by both sides. Switzerland was able to reduce tariffs on exports from 39 to 15 percent in November, but in return the USA demanded a new trade agreement by spring. But it is still unclear when the talks will begin.
Switzerland hoped that the starting signal could be given at the WEF, but that is apparently off the table, the WBF economic department told the “Tages-Anzeiger”. It is not even clear yet whether Federal President Guy Parmelin will meet with Donald Trump. The US President is sought after, perhaps all it takes is a handshake.
And even if negotiations begin and conclude, the agreement will not be in the clear. In Switzerland it would have to survive parliamentary deliberation and almost certainly a referendum. And that will be given the deep dislike of Trump Not a walk in the park even among SVP supporters.
These are uncomfortable times, especially for Switzerland. It is one of those countries that benefited greatly from the rules-based order after the Second World War and the triumph of globalization after the Cold War. Now we have to recognize that we live “in a rule-based disorder,” said Federal Councilor Cassis to the NZZ.
The Europeans seem to have understood this after the Greenland escalation. “Nostalgia will not bring back the old world order,” said EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday in Davos. While Federal President Guy Parmelin mentioned Gaza, Ukraine, Iran and Venezuela in his WEF opening speech – but not Greenland.
“Switzerland must show toughness,” demanded the “Tages-Anzeiger” in a comment. This is not only easier said than done when faced with a US president obsessed with imperial madness. Too many of us don’t seem to understand what happened. And where we should position ourselves in the new world order.