MEP Tomasz Froelich: EU interfering in Georgian affairs supporting a coup d’état in Tbilisi, reminiscent of bloody Euromaidan

Arctic Chessboard: The Race for Greenland Has Begun - by Nikoloz Khatiashvili Developments surrounding Greenland have become one of the central issues in global politics since US President Donald Trump expressed a strong desire to purchase the island—language that later escalated even to rhetoric about a forceful control. This situation has generated tensions between the United States and Denmark, with other EU countries subsequently becoming involved. In addition, against this backdrop of heightened strain, the United States imposed 10% tariffs on a number of European countries. Trump’s objective is to bring Greenland under US control, which he justifies on national security grounds. Greenland has a strategic location and attractive natural resources, making it an important part of US national security considerations. In today’s world, geopolitical tensions are deepening rapidly, the climate is changing, and global competition is intensifying. In this context, Greenland and the Arctic more broadly is emerging as an epicenter of contemporary international security. Washington views Greenland as a cornerstone for the security of the Arctic and the North Atlantic space, critical both for ensuring defense and for demonstrating power. Strategic importance The Arctic represents a new dimension of the international security system, attracting growing interest from major powers. Climate change is driving Arctic ice melt, which expands maritime routes, unlocks access to new natural resources previously covered by ice, and creates new navigable spaces. This process shortens distances between North America, Europe, and Asia. Against this backdrop, Russian and Chinese interests in the region are also increasing, from the US perspective. The United States considers Greenland a means to monitor the “gap” between Iceland, the United Kingdom, and the wider North Atlantic region—an area from which, in a crisis, NATO Allies can be supported via sea lines of communication, resources and other channels. The Security Dimension For North America, Greenland can serve as a robust security shield. A space base already exists on its territory, operated by a unit under US Space Command. These capabilities include monitoring missile trajectories, satellite surveillance, and operating an early-warning radar responsible for tracking ballistic-missile threats. Another major driver behind the rising importance of the Greenland question is the perceived military threat emanating from Russia and China. In the event that Russia or China were to launch ballistic missiles towards the United States, Greenland would be one of the areas over or near which those missiles would pass before reaching their targets. By deploying US air and missile defense systems on Greenland, Washington would establish a first line of defense, with which to intercept ballistic missiles, reducing the risk of impact on US territory. Greenland’s pivotal role for Washington was highlighted as early as 2025, when the US Department of War formally acknowledged its significance at an institutional level and placed it within the operational areas of both US European Command (EUCOM) and US Northern Command (NORTHCOM). It is in US interests for Greenland and the critical infrastructure located there to fall under a jurisdiction and legal framework that guarantees protection and prevents rival states from gaining control. Washington believes Greenland could become a strategic anchor for North America and the Arctic. The Russian factor is also noteworthy. The Kremlin has significantly strengthened its position in the Arctic and made substantial military investments. It has reopened Soviet-era military bases and upgraded its forces to match Arctic conditions. In this context, Washington sees Greenland as a means of deterring Russia and maintaining the balance of power in the Arctic region. For the United States, another challenge in the Arctic is China’sfinancing of dual-use infrastructure and its efforts to create new transport corridors. Denmark has already halted the sale of the site of a former military base in Greenland to China and has barred a Chinese state-owned company from building a new airport. As with Russia, Greenland is strategically important for Washington in the Chinese context as well. Natural resources Greenland, like the Arctic more broadly, contains significant quantities of diverse natural resources and critical minerals, which are vital to US national security. Today, competition and security are becoming increasingly industrial in nature. Whereas years ago states focused primarily on gaining advantages through armaments, these concerns are now compounded by uninterrupted access to natural resources and energy security. Greenland possesses unique deposits and rare minerals, while the United States is actively working to diversify supply. According to available information, several American companies are considering major investments in Greenland aimed at developing rare-mineral extraction. By creating a new source of rare minerals from Greenland to the United States, Washington could substantially reduce its dependence on Chinese resources. Conclusion US interest in Greenland should be understood in a broader geopolitical context. The Arctic—once seen for centuries as an ice-covered, remote, uninhabited, and uninteresting space—has now transformed into a crossroads of major powers’ strategic ambitions. Moscow and Beijing are seeking influence in an Arctic that is undergoing rapid change. What was once an empty, frozen expanse is becoming a new arena for navigation and a territory rich in natural resources. Greenland occupies a central position on this geopolitical chessboard, and its role and strategic significance are growing by the day. The United States does not need Greenland for colonial purposes, as some political leaders have suggested, but as a strategic partner and asset, without which ensuring U.S. security in the Arctic would become extremely difficult. Strengthening Greenland and placing it within a jurisdiction capable of shielding it from Chinese and Russian influence should also be in Europe’s interest. If Russia and China were to achieve strategic superiority in the Arctic, this would directly or indirectly pose a challenge to European security as well. In practical terms, the United States has the resources to support Greenland’s military and economic development in a way that reinforces transatlantic security and helps deter Russia and China in the Arctic—an increasingly urgent requirement, not a distant contingency. It is likely that the United States and Europe will reach a consensus on Greenland that, on the one hand, protects US national interests, and on the other, develops legal mechanisms acceptable to both sides. Strengthening Greenland also means strengthening NATO, which is a key issue for Europe’s collective security. If, however, Washington were to decide to establish control over Greenland by force (a very low-probability scenario), the consequences would be severe: it would legitimize Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, significantly weaken NATO as an institution, inflict serious damage on the rules-based international order, and harm the United States’ international image—potentially even leading to its isolation. Accordingly, this trajectory is unlikely.

The French President was seen again wearing aviator sunglasses. Emmanuel Macron delivered his speech at the Economic Forum in Davos (Switzerland) on Tuesday 20 January with his eyes masked, due to a minor ailment. On Thursday, the Head of State had already appeared with his right eye reddened and partly bloodshot, during his New Year's address to the Armed Forces. At the time, he ironically referred to the "eye of the tiger", "a sign of determination", and a reference to Georges Clemenceau, nicknamed "the Tiger", a historic figure reputed to embody French determination during the First World War."I apologise for the unsightliness of my eye", he declared before an audience of senior officers at the Istres air base (South of France), used for nuclear deterrence. "It's just something totally harmless", the Head of State said, arriving at the base with his eyes hidden behind his thick aviator's glasses. A small vessel in the eye bled, "totally benign", according to the Elysée chief medical officer.At a meeting organised at the Élysée Palace on Friday on the institutional future of New Caledonia, Emmanuel Macron was also wearing his bluish sunglasses. "Please excuse me for these glasses, which are linked to a benign problem", he repeated, according to Le Parisien. This time the President of the Republic had continued: "I'm obliged to wear them for a while, so you'll have to put up with me like this."

All eyes were on Davos this morning as world leaders waited to find out how far Trump was prepared to go to acquire Greenland. In a speech that lasted more than an hour, Trump said he was seeking "immediate negotations" to take control of the Arctic territory, but ruled out using "excessive force" to do so. The US president had threatened to impose 10% tariffs on eight European allies if they opposed his plans. But in a bombshell announcement this evening, Trump confirmed this was no longer the case and his latest tariff threats were off the table. He also announced the "framework of a future deal" for Greenland, following a "very productive meeting" with Secretary General of Nato Mark Rutte. US markets rose sharply following the announcement, which may also offer some relief for the US's European allies. But the news still poses more questions than answers, leaving allies guessing what exactly what role the US might have in the island terrority going forward, writes the BBC's Washington correspondent. We're now pausing our live coverage, but you can read more here:  

During his visit to Qatar, Georgian Vice Prime Minister and Defence Minister Irakli Chikovani met with Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs in Qatar.Chikovani expressed his gratitude for Qatar’s support of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The ministers highlighted the importance of their bilateral relationship and shared optimism that the positive momentum in their cooperation will continue to grow.According to the Georgian Ministry of Defence, they discussed specific areas of defence cooperation that could further strengthen the partnership between the two nations.Chikovani’s visit to Doha was at the invitation of his Qatari counterpart. In turn, he extended an invitation to Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani to visit Georgia. As part of his programme, the Georgian Defence Minister also attended the International Military Exhibition in Doha.

“A concrete action plan has been developed within the Government Coordination Commission on Food Prices, under which the government will work closely with the private sector to achieve tangible results in the coming months,” Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Mariam Kvrivishvili said.Kvrivishvili made the remarks following the first meeting of the Commission, chaired by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, which was held at the Government Administration.According to the Minister, the Commission’s work will focus on food prices, medicines, and fuel. She noted that active consultations will be held with representatives of the private sector, including retail chains, distributors, and product manufacturers.“During the current period, we will have very active meetings directly with representatives of the private sector. Our task is to achieve tangible results within the framework of this commission in the coming months, in fact, by the end of April,” Kvrivishvili said.The Government Coordination Commission is chaired by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and includes the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Mariam Kvrivishvili, Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture David Songulashvili, Minister of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labor, Health and Social Protection Mikheil Sarjveladze, Minister of Finance Lasha Khutsishvili, Head of the State Security Service Mamuka Mdinaradze, Head of the Government Administration Levan Zhorzholiani, and Chairman of the Competition and Consumer Protection Agency Irakli Lekvinadze.