JAKARTA - Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever insists that Europe must firmly say "enough" to US President Donald Trump.
"The softer you are to him, the more insolent he becomes," De Wever said on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum, as reported by the Belga news agency on Tuesday, January 20, reported by ANTARA from Anadolu.
De Wever said restoring Europe's competitiveness must be a top priority, but stressed that Trump's recent rhetoric on Greenland and tariff threats posed additional challenges for the European Union (EU).
De Wever is expected to meet Trump on Wednesday with King Philippe of Belgium and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, though he doubts whether the meeting will take place.
"Even if the meeting takes place; you never know with Trump," he said.
On Monday, Trump threatened to impose a 200 percent tariff on French wine and champagne after French President Emmanuel Macron refused to join Trump's proposed Peace Council, an international initiative initially focused on Gaza.
The move follows an earlier threat to impose import tariffs of up to 10 percent on European countries that have sent troops to Greenland, which were later increased to 25 percent in June.
De Wever said Europe must respond by strengthening its single market, increasing competitiveness, and forging new alliances.
"We have to arm ourselves. The European Council must push the agenda and say: do this, and nothing else," he said.
'Back down or we will do everything necessary'
In a separate interview with broadcaster Belga VRT NWS, De Wever said Europe must make it clear that it will not tolerate threats of military action against allied territory.
"We have to say to Trump, as Europeans: 'This is the limit and no further. Back off or we will do everything necessary," he said.
De Wever acknowledged Trump's past pressure on allies to increase defense spending was rational.
"But threatening NATO allies with military intervention in NATO territory is unprecedented so you're really approaching a tipping point," he added.
The issue is expected to be discussed at an informal meeting of the European Council on Thursday.
De Wever said it was now clear that Europe had to act decisively.
"In my opinion, it is clear that the knife must be placed on the table now," he said.
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