Davos, Switzerland — As the highly anticipated World Economic Forum kicks off this week, U.S. President Donald Trump has certainly stirred the pot with his bold actions and statements on his first day in office, sparking robust discussions among attendees.
Executives from the energy sector will deliberate on Trump’s call for increased drilling efforts under the slogan “drill, baby, drill.” Meanwhile, international leaders will be considering the implications of his desire to expand U.S. territory, while environmental advocates are likely to express their discontent regarding his intention to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement. Additionally, trade supporters will analyze the newly established “External Revenue Service” intended to manage tariffs and duties.
As discussions and panel activities unfold in the picturesque Swiss town of Davos, Trump’s executive actions and provocative speech will undoubtedly be at the forefront of conversations.
On Tuesday, some notable participants, including figures like Ursula von der Leyen and Olaf Scholz, will take to the stage. The first sessions are expected to revolve around “initial reactions” to the U.S. presidency and the electric vehicle sector, which the Biden administration has championed and which Trump promises to overturn.
Another session is set to explore the European Union’s efforts to reconcile its environmental aspirations with economic development goals, a discussion all the more relevant given Trump’s announcement of a “national energy emergency.” Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo emphasized the need for the EU to remain committed to its Green Deal objectives, citing both competitiveness and environmental necessities, while referencing the implications of Trump’s recent shifts.
“The world is increasingly unpredictable, and yesterday has amplified that uncertainty,” De Croo said during a panel discussion, urging European unity against the backdrop of ambiguous goals.
As the morning unfolds, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is expected to underscore the EU’s perspective on Trump’s new policies. Navigating between political discord in member states like France and Germany, she will need to balance varied interests, especially with new leaders like Italy’s Giorgia Meloni potentially leaning toward Trump-friendly stances.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, facing criticism over Trump ally Elon Musk’s support for right-wing European politics, will also speak. His political stability has come under scrutiny, with his party lagging in polls ahead of the February elections. Conservative Friedrich Merz is currently leading in the race, and he is scheduled to participate in discussions later in the day.
While Trump steered clear of mentioning Ukraine during his inaugural address—despite previous claims that he could resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict within a day—Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to make an appearance at Davos. Both Russia and Ukraine continue to vie for advantages on the battlefield, hoping to strengthen their positions in any future negotiations to settle the ongoing war.
Further discussions will include notable personalities like Israel’s President Isaac Herzog and Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who are expected to touch upon the ceasefire in Gaza. Additionally, executives from prominent companies such as Coca-Cola, Bank of America, and Boston Consulting Group will share insights into the economic landscape of the U.S. under Trump’s renewed leadership.
