Ursula von der Leyen Outlines Europe’s Future Amid Rising Global Tensions
In her recent State of the Union address, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized Europe’s need to assert its independence in a world filled with geopolitical challenges, notably avoiding any mention of US President Donald Trump, reports 24brussels.
Von der Leyen’s 7,500-word speech, delivered to the European Parliament, highlighted the urgent need for Europe to navigate growing tensions with global powers, including Russia and China. She framed the situation as a struggle for Europe’s place in a world where major players often exhibit hostility towards the continent.
“Europe is in a fight – for its place in a world in which many major powers are either ambivalent or openly hostile to Europe,”
she stated at the start of her address. In her remarks, she pointed out that America, once a staunch ally, has become yet another actor driven by self-interest, with tariffs and threats complicating the trade relationship.
Von der Leyen referred to challenges from the United States, including recent comments labeling Europe as less favorable than China, illustrating a significant shift in transatlantic dynamics. This situation demands a re-evaluation of European trade strategies, as the EU must now brace for America’s unpredictable policies.
Addressing concerns regarding a potential trade war, von der Leyen advocated for Europe to set its own regulatory standards independently of American influence. “I want to be crystal clear on one point: whether on environmental or digital regulation, we set our own standards, we set our own regulations,” she declared.
“Europe will always decide for itself.”
Despite mounting criticism over her decisions, von der Leyen used her platform to challenge dissenters by asking them to contemplate the repercussions of escalated trade tensions with the US, a situation many view as untenable. She defended her stance by emphasizing that 80% of EU trade occurs with partners outside of the United States, highlighting the importance of diversifying trade relationships.
Looking ahead, von der Leyen outlined her ambitions for a prospective trade deal with India and foster a coalition of nations that support reforming the global trading framework, likening it to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). “Trade allows us to strengthen our supply chains, open up markets, reduce dependencies,” she stated, underscoring the importance of stability in international trade.
She rejected the idea of aligning European policy to cater to the whims of Trump-era rhetoric and stressed the necessity for Europe to forge its own path, especially in relation to energy independence from Russian fossil fuels and investment in clean technology innovation.
The phrase “Made in Europe” became a central tenet of her speech, reinforcing a commitment to bolster European industrial leadership in various sectors, including digital technology and clean energy. This focus aimed to combat reliance on “dirty” fossil fuels, which she argued are being weaponized amid growing global tensions.
Von der Leyen’s discourse symbolizes a pivotal moment for Europe, seeking to distance itself from past dependencies and assert its autonomy in strategic areas, including defence, security, and technological innovation. By defining this era as Europe’s “Independence Moment,” she aims to redefine the continent’s role on the global stage.
In conclusion, von der Leyen’s address signals a turning point in European policy, aiming for a “New Europe” that is prepared to chart its own course amidst a landscape increasingly shaped by the ambitions of global powers. The absence of a direct reference to the current US president reflects a decisive shift in focus, as the EU seeks to prioritize its own interests and positions in an evolving international environment.
