The head of the European Commission stressed that the planet is changing dynamically and that the European Union must adapt to this transformation. As she stated, China's increasing influence, trade tensions and changes in transatlantic relations prompt Europe to reflect on its own position.
“The communicative has returned, like geopolitics,” said Ursula von der Leyen in an interview with “Die Ziet”. She pointed out that the EU must strengthen both its defence capacity and its economical competitiveness. She recalled that the associate States agreed to allocate EUR 800 billion to the improvement of common military capabilities - which would have been unthinkable a fewer years ago.
A fresh function for the European Union? "The West we knew no longer exists"
Von der Leyen noted in an interview that the EU is gaining expanding importance as a unchangeable and predictable global partner. “Europe is known for its predictability and reliability, which is now beginning to be seen as something very valuable,” pointed out the head of the EC.
At the same time, she admitted that the planet had entered a fresh era, and that the current order had fallen apart. The West we knew no longer exists. The planet has become a geopolitical sphere," she said. In her view, Europe must play a more active function in shaping the fresh planet order.
The EU Head has revealed that she is presently having many talks with leaders from around the planet – from Iceland to fresh Zealand – who want to work with the Union to make a "new global order" In her opinion, it is not only about economical exchange but besides about common values and principles.
Not only America – the planet wants Europe
Although von der Leyen declares strong support for transatlantic ties, she besides noted that planet trade goes far beyond relations with the US. – 13 percent of planet trade is in the United States. That's a lot. However, 87 percent are trade among another countries in the world," she concluded.
In her view, Europe should now usage this minute to grow trade and political relations with countries with akin values. Everyone wants predictability and reliable rules. Europe can supply this," she stressed.
The full interview with the head of the EC in the German weekly can be read HERE.
