European commission charts path amid U.S. and China influence
In an interview with "Die Zeit", the President of the European Commission emphasises that Europe must confront new challenges, including the increasing influence 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," states Ursula von der Leyen.
What do you need to know?
- Ursula von der Leyen stresses that Europe must be prepared for new geopolitical challenges, which include the growing influence of China and the USA.
- The European Union plans to increase investments in defence, allocating €800 (£687) billion for this purpose.
- Europe aims for greater economic independence, focusing on 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", highlights that Europe faces numerous challenges. "We don't have bros or oligarchs making the rules," she remarks, pointing out the differences between Europe and other powers. She adds that, given the rising roles of China and the USA, Europe must brace itself for fresh geopolitical challenges.
Von der Leyen underscores the necessity of building Europe’s defence capabilities and enhancing economic competitiveness. Europe must be prepared for a new reality, she asserts, emphasising the importance of unified 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 significant 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," emphasises the EU leader.
Europe opens up to new markets
Von der Leyen was also queried on whether this signals 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.
