LONDON

The prime minister of Belgium on Wednesday criticized the US, without naming it, saying Europe's "greatest ally" is trying to exploit vulnerability that the continent faces.

Speaking at an event at the Royal Palace in Brussels, Bart De Wever noted that Europe faces mounting geopolitical and economic instability.

He once again criticized Washington, without naming it, and said: "Our greatest ally is trying to exploit this vulnerability."

By vulnerability, the prime minister referred to the situation that Europe will not have the military means to defend its sovereignty for years to come.

It "gives the impression that the sovereignty of European countries and the democratic will of their peoples no longer really matter," he was quoted by Belga news agency as saying.

He also noted that Belgium must prepare for "a long period of geopolitical and economic unrest."

De Wever likened Europe’s challenge to the Greco-Persian Wars of the 5th century BC, when the Greek city-states of Sparta and Athens resisted the Persian domination.

"We can never tolerate the integrity and right to self-determination of a European ally being put under pressure, even when that pressure comes from the strongest power in the world, he noted.

De Wever added: "Europe, in both the East and the West, must be united."

In his speech during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, last week, the Belgian premier said he would tell US President Donald Trump that he was "crossing red lines" amid continued dispute over Washington's interest in acquiring the Danish territory of Greenland.

Separately, speaking ahead of an EU leaders meeting in Brussels on Friday, De Wever said: "The United States is the strongest, but our dignity is not for sale. We are not slaves."