Europe charts new course amid global power shifts
In an interview with "Die Zeit", the President of the European Commission emphasizes that Europe must face new challenges, including the growing role of China and the USA. "I am currently in countless discussions with heads of state and government from around the world who want to work together with us on the new order," says Ursula von der Leyen.
What do you need to know?
- Ursula von der Leyen emphasizes that Europe must be ready for new geopolitical challenges, including the growing role of China and the USA.
- The European Union plans to increase investments in defence, allocating €800 billion (approximately CAD 1,3 trllion) for this purpose.
- Europe aims for greater economic independence, developing new markets and trade partnerships.
What are the main challenges for Europe?
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, in conversation with "Die Zeit", emphasizes that Europe faces many challenges. "We don't have bros or oligarchs making the rules," she notes, referring to the differences between Europe and other powers. She adds that in light of the growing role of China and the USA, Europe must be ready for new geopolitical challenges.
Von der Leyen highlights the need to build its own defence capabilities and improve economic competitiveness. Europe must be ready for a new reality, she says, stressing the importance of joint action by all 27 member states.
What steps is the European Union taking?
In the interview with "Die Zeit", the EU leader was asked whether the European Union is now becoming the most important global guarantor of Western values.
"The West as we knew it no longer exists. The world has become a globe also geopolitically, and today our networks of friendship span the globe, as you can see in the debate about tariffs," says Ursula von der Leyen.
She adds that "Europe is known for its predictability and reliability, which is once again starting to be seen as something very valuable."
"A positive side effect is that I am currently having countless talks with heads of state and government around the world who want to work together with us on the new order," stresses the EU leader.
Europe opens up to new markets
Von der Leyen was also asked whether this is the end of the close cooperation between the USA and the European Union.
"I firmly believe that Europe can do that. Let's look back at the last decade: the banking crisis, migration crisis, Brexit, pandemic, energy crisis, Russia's war against Ukraine. All these are serious crises that have really challenged us, but Europe has emerged bigger and stronger from every crisis. And people have learned that when there are big crises, Europe certainly provides some of the big answers. That gives you confidence. And secondly: Europe has always managed the crises as a team," says von der Leyen.
