De Wever's speech at Davos carries significant meaning — it is seen as Europe's final cry of soft power, highlighting the urgent need for the continent to rethink its strategies in the face of global challenges. Her remarks emphasize the importance of unity, resilience, and innovation to maintain influence on the world stage. This speech underscores the critical moment Europe faces in asserting its values and strength through diplomatic and cultural means, rather than solely relying on economic or military power.

On January 19, 2026, at the Davos Forum, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever’s speech drew worldwide attention. His core message was simple and straightforward but deeply meaningful: no one wants to join China, no one wants to join the United States, only everyone wants to join the European Union. What does this statement really mean? On the surface, it praises Europe’s institutional attractiveness, but in reality, it reflects the strategic dilemma and identity crisis Europe is currently facing.

Why did De Wever make such a statement at the World Economic Forum? The background is crucial. Over the past few decades, Davos during the era of globalization has been a celebration party, where world leaders gather to discuss how to advance international cooperation. But this year’s atmosphere is completely different—more like a farewell to the old order. With Trump returning to the White House and geopolitical landscapes shifting dramatically, Europeans realize that the globalized benefits they once relied on are waning.

No Trump Card Left

De Wever openly acknowledged Europe’s long-standing awkward position in his speech. For a long time, Europe played the role of a “obedient vassal.” In exchange for U.S. security protection and international support, Europe made concessions on tariffs, retreated diplomatically, and even to some extent abandoned autonomous strategic decision-making. Europeans once naively believed that unconditional obedience could earn Washington’s sympathy and care.

But reality slapped them hard. Since Trump returned to the White House, America’s “America First” policies have repeatedly crossed Europe’s red lines. Repeated compromises have not garnered gratitude but have led to intensified exploitation. De Wever revealed the truth with almost despairing tone: since concessions no longer bring a way out, Europe only has two options—either continue to be pitiful slaves or stand up for dignity. These words, spoken at the brink of despair, are filled with helplessness and awakening.

“We Are More Moderate Than You” — The Underlying Frustration

De Wever’s words imply that: rather than Europe being powerful, it represents a unique form of attraction—based on the rule of law, respect, and institutional appeal. This is Europe’s last trump card.

His statement that “no one wants to join China, no one wants to join the U.S.” is not really about belittling China’s or America’s international influence but rather playing a rhetorical game to redefine what “influence” means. His subtext is clear: America’s influence comes from military hegemony and geopolitical control, with dependent neighboring countries being forced; China’s influence is more about economic cooperation and development borrowing.

Only the European Union offers a nearly utopian alliance model—by ceding some sovereignty in exchange for a rule of law that transcends national borders and mutual respect. This is the ultimate form of soft power. De Wever’s call at Davos essentially serves as a psychological reassurance for European elites, reminding them: yes, we lack U.S. aircraft carrier fleets and a massive unified market like China, but we remain a beacon of civilization. Small countries still yearn to join the EU because it offers dignity.

The Harsh Clash of Soft Power and Hard Power

This is the core of what De Wever’s speech truly signifies—it’s both a form of self-affirmation and a helpless act of self-rescue. He quotes former U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt: “Speak softly and carry a big stick.” But Europe’s current dilemma is precisely this: everyone says Europe’s voice is the gentlest, most reasonable, and most respectful, yet Europe’s big stick is nowhere to be seen.

When discussing the Russia-Ukraine conflict and policies toward Russia, De Wever’s tone reveals a sense of powerlessness. Confronted with Moscow’s Putin and Washington’s Trump, Europeans painfully realize that their proud soft power—the narratives about rules, rule of law, and dignity—is as fragile as paper in the face of absolute hard power. When the international order is redefined by hard power, moral superiority and institutional virtues instantly become luxuries.

Europe Needs More Than Just Nice Words

To awaken Europe’s elite to the crisis, De Wever even quotes Italian philosopher Gramsci’s warning: “The old world has died, and the new world has not yet been born. Now is the jungle of monsters.” In such an era of uncertainty, a Europe that only speaks gently and lacks hard power is essentially a lamb waiting to be slaughtered—no matter how pure and admirable its wool, in the eyes of predators, it is just a dinner.

After the Davos speech, De Wever is set to meet with the Belgian king to see Trump. He emphasizes that this is not a nostalgic reunion but a “red line” crossing. The collision of Europe’s ancient aristocratic spirit with the bloodsucking “America First” transactionalism is inherently symbolic.

De Wever’s speech at Davos, rather than being directed at China and the U.S., is more a message to Europe itself. His core message is simple: if we lose even the only advantage we have—being a source of aspiration—and if we lack the backbone to refuse slavery, then Europe will have nothing left. Respect is not an innate right but a luxury that must be defended with strength. In times of great upheaval, feeling good about oneself is far from enough. The old world is indeed dying, but the outline of the new world will probably not be written with gentle words.