Valdis Dombrovskis, the commissioner for economy at the European Commission, discusses European economic policy and EU-U.S. relations at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

In a powerful speech at the World Economic Forum, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged Europe to take a more proactive role in global affairs, stating that the continent must “step up” and “learn how to take care of itself” in order to command respect on the world stage.

Ukrainian President Zelensky calls for Europe to enhance its global influence and self-reliance during his speech at the World Economic Forum 2025.- Watch Video on English Oneindia

Europe will respond to any tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump in a proportionate way, the European Union’s commissioner for the economy told CNBC Wednesday.

President Trump appears willing to shake up almost every policy area, and a behind-the-scenes E.U. task force has been trying to prepare. But is Europe ready?

Speaking a day after Trump’s inauguration, Ukraine’s president told world leaders at Davos that Europe needs to remain united and “learn how to take care of itself.”

Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said there needs to be a rethink of how governments and private enterprise in Europe work together in the wake of the collapse of battery maker Northvolt AB.

BERLIN - German opposition leader Friedrich Merz, tipped to become chancellor in next month's election, said on Tuesday U.S. President Donald Trump could prove an interesting partner for Europe provided the region had a strong common negotiating position.

European business chiefs warned Tuesday that the region risks falling behind its counterparts in the U.S. and Asia.

As President Donald Trump overturns a slew of regulations, there’s a growing chorus of voices calling for similar moves in Europe.

Europe’s generous welfare states are coming under increasing strain as weak economic growth collides with rising demands on government budgets, particularly from aging populations.

Follow The Hindu’s updates of Day 2 of the World Economic Forum 2025, in Davos, Switzerland, on January 21, 2025