Greenland
Elbridge Colby, the Pentagon's policy chief, called for NATO to be based on partnership, not dependence, during talks in Brussels. This comes amid the absence of the US Secretary of Defense and rising allied defense spending.
The European Parliament has approved the resumption of a trade agreement with the United States, which was suspended due to tariff threats over Greenland. The agreement will be valid for 24 months, provides for the abolition of EU tariffs on US industrial goods and a 15% US rate on most EU goods.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that the people who booed US Vice President J. D. Vance at the Winter Olympics showed "European pride." This occurred after a series of critical remarks about Europe from American officials.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit Hungary and Slovakia next week. The visit comes after Donald Trump endorsed Viktor Orban, who is trailing in the polls ahead of the elections.
Donald Trump shared an AI-generated photo on social media where he shows foreign leaders a modified map of the United States. On it, the territories of Canada, Greenland, and Venezuela are included as part of the United States.
According to the Munich Security Conference report, the world has entered a period of politics of destroying the existing order. This is due to the fact that political forces that prefer destruction are gaining momentum in many Western societies.
NATO plans to launch the Arctic Sentry military mission in the Arctic, specifically in Greenland, to strengthen its presence and reduce tensions between the US and European allies. The launch could take place this week during the meeting of NATO defense ministers in Brussels.
Norwegian special services have published a security assessment for 2026, in which Russia is named the main threat. The likelihood of sabotage against support for Ukraine and the intensification of Russian intelligence activities is increasing.
Greenland's Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt stated that Nuuk's key demands regarding sovereignty and investment in negotiations with the US have not yet been met.
Ukraine considers self-sufficiency as a "Plan B" for security guarantees, as it cannot fully rely on the promises of its allies. The country aims to create a powerful army and develop its own defense production.
Donald Trump has threatened to sue comedian Trevor Noah over a joke about him and Jeffrey Epstein at the Grammy Awards. Trump denies visiting Epstein's island and claims the accusations against him are unfounded.
Donald Trump said he could make countries pay their dues to the UN if the organization asked him to. He declined to comment on whether the US would repay its debts to the UN.
Donald Trump stated that he never planned to make Greenland the 51st US state, but instead wanted to give that role to Canada. This was said at the elite Alfalfa Club dinner in Washington, where Trump later admitted he was joking.
The German Football Association (DFB) has rejected a boycott of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. The decision was made despite criticism of Donald Trump's foreign policy.
German comedian Maxi Schafroth raised the US flag on a flagpole in Greenland for a satirical show, which caused outrage among local authorities. The film crew was fined, and an investigation has been launched.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, known for his loyalty to Donald Trump, is offering an "olive branch" to partners in the EU. This move comes amid rumors of his meeting with Trump, which reportedly did not meet Fico's expectations.
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Heorhiy Tikhy commented on Russia's question to the UN regarding the "self-determination" of Donbas. He reminded that in October 2022, 143 members of the UN General Assembly rejected Russia's illegal land grabs.
Danish King Frederik X will visit Greenland next month to show support for the local population. This comes after pressure from the US administration, which seeks to gain control over the Arctic island.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that Europe needs to regain dominance to assert itself in the new world order. He emphasized the importance of "power politics" for the realization of European ideas.
The US, Denmark, and Greenland held talks in Washington regarding a new security agreement in the Arctic. This was in response to pressure from Trump, who had previously threatened to annex the island.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed concern over the falling dollar exchange rate, which puts pressure on European exporters. He called on the EU to increase competitiveness amid the weakening American currency.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced successful negotiations on a security agreement in the Arctic. The US seeks to strengthen NATO's presence and limit Russia's and China's access to Greenland's mineral resources.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has begun a visit to China to reset economic relations. This is the first visit of a British head of government to the PRC in eight years.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico expressed concern about Donald Trump's "psychological state" after their meeting on January 17. Fico called Trump "dangerous," which shocked European diplomats.
Global oil prices have firmed near four-month highs. This occurred amid a falling dollar and escalating geopolitical tensions due to White House statements regarding Iran.
European leaders and industry representatives met in Hamburg to discuss cooperation in energy and security in the North Sea. The UK and Europe signed the Hamburg Declaration to implement large-scale offshore wind energy projects.
The price of gold jumped to a record $5081. 18 per ounce in the spot market. The rise is driven by demand for safe-haven assets and geopolitical uncertainty.
A poll showed that 61% of Germans perceive Trump as a threat to Germany. 52% advocate for a decisive German course towards the US president.
The president of the German club "St. Pauli", Oke Göttlich, proposes boycotting the 2026 World Cup due to Donald Trump's statements on Greenland. He believes that the threat is now greater than during the 1980s Olympic boycott.
The Pentagon plans to reduce its role in deterring North Korea, transferring primary responsibility to South Korea. This could lead to a reduction in American troops on the Korean Peninsula.