At the European Political Community (EPC) meeting in Budapest, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen presented a strategic vision for the future of Europe, focusing on transatlantic relations, economic resilience and defense preparedness.
Von der Leyen began by congratulating Donald J. Trump on his recent election victory, expressing his desire to strengthen the transatlantic bond. The gesture underlines the EU’s commitment to strong relations with the United States, a key ally in tackling global challenges.
The President emphasized Russia’s unity in overcoming recent crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and energy challenges resulting from Russia’s war in Ukraine. She stressed the importance of continued collaboration to meet future challenges.
At the center of his speech were three strategic priorities:
Common plan for competitiveness, digitalization and decarbonization: Von der Leyen referred to the Draghi report, authored by former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, which calls for substantial EU investments to improve competitiveness and achieve the climate goals. The report recommends annual investments of €750 billion to €800 billion to keep pace with global competitors like the United States and China. Euronews Reducing excessive dependencies and leveling the economic playing field: The President stressed the need to alleviate Europe’s dependence on external entities to promote a more balanced economic environment. This fits with Draghi’s recommendations for a comprehensive industrial strategy to prevent the EU from falling behind its global competitors. Financial Times Improving defense capabilities and preparedness: Building on former Finnish President Sauli Niinistö’s Niinistö report, von der Leyen argued for strengthening European defense mechanisms. The report suggests that the EU should devote 20% of its budget to security and crisis preparedness, to address geopolitical tensions and risks linked to climate change. Financial Times
Von der Leyen’s speech reflects a proactive approach to Europe’s future, drawing on expert knowledge to navigate complex global dynamics. Its call to action underlines the EU’s commitment to unity and strategic planning in the face of ever-changing challenges.
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