Opinion: Davos Discussions Reveal Europe's Shifting Role

Belgian PM's comments on 'vassals and slaves' spark debate on Europe's global standing

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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During a Davos panel discussion, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever made comments about Europe's place in the world, saying 'Being a happy vassal is one thing. Being a miserable slave is something else. I don't want vassals and slaves, I want peers.' This sparked discussion about Europe's evolving role on the global stage, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also criticizing European leadership. Additionally, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent discussed the U.S. government's use of 'economic statecraft' to pressure Iran, raising questions about the Treasury Department's role in foreign policy.

Why it matters

These comments from European and U.S. leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos highlight the shifting power dynamics and tensions within the transatlantic relationship, as well as the increasing use of economic tools as instruments of foreign policy. They reflect broader debates about Europe's strategic autonomy, the role of the U.S. in shaping global affairs, and the ethical considerations around economic warfare.

The details

During the Davos panel, Belgian PM De Wever criticized the notion of Europe being a 'vassal' or 'slave' to other powers, calling instead for Europe to be treated as an equal 'peer.' Ukrainian President Zelensky also took European leaders to task for not providing military aid quickly enough. Meanwhile, U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent openly discussed how the U.S. used economic pressure to collapse Iran's economy, without firing a single shot, in what he termed 'economic statecraft.'

  • The Davos panel discussion took place in early February 2026.
  • In December 2025, the U.S. Treasury Department's actions reportedly led to the collapse of Iran's economy.

The players

Bart De Wever

The Belgian Prime Minister who criticized the idea of Europe being a 'vassal' or 'slave' during the Davos panel discussion.

Volodymyr Zelensky

The President of Ukraine who castigated European leadership for not providing military aid quickly enough during the Davos event.

Scott Bessent

The U.S. Secretary of the Treasury who discussed the U.S. government's use of 'economic statecraft' to pressure Iran's economy.

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What they’re saying

“Being a happy vassal is one thing. Being a miserable slave is something else. I don't want vassals and slaves, I want peers.”

— Bart De Wever, Belgian Prime Minister (Davos panel discussion)

“President Trump ordered the Treasury and our Office of Foreign Asset Control division to put maximum pressure on Iran and it worked. In December their economy collapsed. We saw a major bank go under. The central bank has started to print money. There is a dollar shortage. They are not able to get imports and this is why the people took to the street.”

— Scott Bessent, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury (Davos interview)

What’s next

The Belgian government is expected to push for greater European strategic autonomy in the coming months, while the U.S. Treasury Department's use of economic tools as foreign policy instruments will likely face increased scrutiny.

The takeaway

These comments from European and U.S. leaders at Davos highlight the evolving power dynamics and tensions within the transatlantic relationship, as well as the growing use of economic statecraft as a foreign policy tool. They reflect broader debates about Europe's strategic independence, the role of the U.S. in shaping global affairs, and the ethical considerations around economic warfare.