“We must not have any illusions: at this moment, fundamental constants on which postwar peace and prosperity were built are being called into question.” With this phrase, opening yesterday’s discussion with the President of the Republic, Kostas Tasoulas, Kyriakos Mitsotakis highlighted his concern over the cascading geopolitical developments and the ongoing confrontation between Europe and the United States, against the backdrop of Trump’s plans for Greenland. A concern which, according to people who meet with him, may be greater than ever before.

Mr. Mitsotakis departs this afternoon for Davos, Switzerland, and the World Economic Forum amid these major uncertainties. There is, of course, recognition of Greece’s economic progress, as evidenced by Kyriakos Pierrakakis’ elevation to the position of president of the Eurogroup; however, the prime minister understands that a potential transatlantic confrontation could generate significant turbulence for Greece as well. And while Trump’s threats regarding tariffs and bilateral trade have remained in the drawer, the American president does not appear to be backing down on Greenland, and the prospect of annexing NATO territory could become a breaking point in Euro-American relations.

During the short time he will remain at the Swiss resort — given that he was initially scheduled to stay until Friday but will have to depart at midday on Thursday for the extraordinary European Council in Brussels on Greenland — Mr. Mitsotakis will hold a large number of meetings, both public and private. “Davos is always a venue and an opportunity to position Greece within the international economic framework and to attract investments. Investments are critical if we are to continue on this path of progress,” the prime minister noted yesterday from the Presidential Palace, adding that “2025 was a record year in attracting foreign direct investment, and naturally we want 2026 to be a very good year as well.” Mr. Mitsotakis will take part in closed dinners and meetings and has panels scheduled for Thursday; it remains to be seen whether he will give interviews to international media.

Reluctance over the Peace Council

Of course, the elephant in the room at Davos is the presence of Donald Trump and the plans the American president will present, in his first in-person appearance in Switzerland during his second term. One of the ideas Mr. Trump has put on the table is the so-called “Peace Council,” for which he has sent invitations to dozens of countries, including Greece. The invitation comes with a “buy-in” of 1 billion for a three-year term, while the body is envisaged to have Mr. Trump as its “lifelong” president and appears intended to function as a counterweight to the United Nations.

From the moment the invitation was received, Mr. Mitsotakis has been skeptical and has discussed the issue privately with other leaders. French President Macron has made it clear that he will not participate, while Germany also appears reluctant. Greece is on the same reluctant wavelength, with perhaps the only European exception being Viktor Orbán’s Hungary. “It is a legally complex issue, which we are examining, in consultation with our European partners,” sources at the Maximos Mansion say, adding that the broader framework of Trump’s proposal, especially regarding Gaza, is provided for in UN Security Council Resolution 2803, which Greece supported as an elected member. And for Greece, there are no solutions outside the framework of the United Nations.