Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered yesterday a speech at the annual EU Ambassadors Conference. The speech was the occasion for the President to thank the EU diplomatic corps for their work and exchange with them on the European Union's priorities in foreign policy and diplomacy.
President von der Leyen highlighted the interconnected nature of the world: whether through trade, integrated supply chains, capital flows or digital communication, the world is more connected than ever. The President however acknowledged that the trend of hyper-globalisation has become outdated and underlined the current state of play in a harsher world: "Great fears are back. From the fear of climate change to Artificial Intelligence, to that of migration or simply of being left behind. And this also permeates into global affairs. Countries are weaponising their sources of strength against each other. And we are now well into an era of hyper-competitive and hyper-transactional geopolitics," the President said.
Nonetheless, President von der Leyen was clear that Europe must maintain its composure. She stated: "I am convinced that in this hot-headed world, Europe's best approach is to remain level-headed. It must make decisions not out of emotion or nostalgia for a world that once was. But rather out of calculated judgement about what is in our own interest in the world as it is today."
And she added: "The message that we need to pass to our partners around the world is: where it makes sense for Europe, Europe can make it work. If there are mutual benefits in sight, we are ready to engage with you. And a deal with us, comes with no hidden strings attached. Because our interests are transparent."
That is why the EU will continue investing in Global Gateway, strengthening partnerships in the Mediterranean, and drawing on the benefits from free and fair trade.
She mentioned that she will travel with the College of Commissioners to India in February, while in March a summit with South Africa will be held.
She reiterated the strong historical ties that unite the EU and the United States. She explained how no other economies are so integrated in such and advanced way. In that sense, she said: "Our first priority is to work on the many areas where our interests converge. We will be ready for tough negotiations where needed and to find solutions where possible to work out any grievances and to set the foundations for a stronger partnership." But she also highlighted that the EU will not shy away from protecting its interests.
The President also touched on the EU's relationship with China, stressing its importance as a vital trading partner, and a partner with whom the EU can engage constructively to address common challenges. At the same time, she also said: "We need to rebalance this relationship and ensure that our trade and investment relations makes sense for Europe, both for its economy and its security. So we will keep de-risking our economic relationship – as we have been doing in recent years."
On the situation in the Middle East, President von der Leyen said that "hope - albeit fragile – has started to return", highlighting that "people across the region deserve for that hope to lead to stability, peace and prosperity". The EU is a leading donor to the Syrian, Lebanese, and Palestinian people and is increasing its humanitarian role in the region: "We are now ready to step up our engagement and look into reconstruction needs. The future of this region is being rewritten today", the President added.
Europe's destiny at stake in Ukraine
President von der Leyen described the war in Ukraine as the most consequential crisis for Europe's future. She pointed out that Vladimir Putin's goal continues to be Ukraine's capitulation and cautioned of what could happen next: "He would move on to the next target – just like he did after 2008 and 2014. It is not only the destiny of Ukraine that is at stake. It is Europe's destiny," the President said.
She insisted that Europe will stand by Ukraine. The EU and its Member States have supported Ukraine with €134 billion so far, more than anybody else. It must also continue putting maximum pressure on Russia by finalising its 16th sanctions package, phasing-out Russian fossil fuels, and extending the freezing of Russian assets.
The President also emphasised the need to speed up the delivery of weapons and ammunitions to Ukraine and said this would be at the heart of the Commission's work in the coming weeks. "We must show to the Kremlin that the longer the war, the higher the price for Russia. Ukraine needs peace through strength," she told the audience.
Despite the convulsive times, the President ended her address with an optimistic call to young diplomats in the room, saying: "Ask all the Ambassadors here in the room: Much of the world sees Europe as stronger than we do. And Europe has much more agency in this world than we sometimes think. If we stay united, we are the ones – you are the ones – who can create the conditions for a more prosperous and secure future."
