EU Council President Charles Michel urged Europe on Thursday to take management of its “own destiny,” in response to Donald Trump’s return to the U.S. presidency.
“We should be extra grasp of our personal future, not due to Donald Trump or Kamala Harris, however due to our youngsters. This is our accountability to make selections in order that we aren’t dependent,” he advised reporters earlier than a European Political Community (EPC) assembly in Budapest.
He added that Europe should do extra to strengthen its single market, enhance competitiveness, and enhance its “European protection capabilities.”
Michel additionally reaffirmed Europe’s continued help for Ukraine.
“We didn’t change our thoughts that you simply battle for our widespread values, for our widespread ideas … It is essential not to surrender as a result of strengthening Ukraine means strengthening ourselves,” Michel stated.
He added {that a} simply peace between Ukraine and Russia “must be primarily based on the ideas of the U.N. constitution.”
In a chat with the media, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated the EU will work “in a good manner” with the brand new Trump administration.
“I feel crucial is that we analyze collectively what our shared pursuits are, and work with that,” she added.
“It is in all our curiosity that the autocrats of this world get a really clear message that there’s not the precise of would possibly, however that the rule of legislation is essential,” she stated, commenting on the scenario in Ukraine.
Finland’s Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, for his half, burdened that Europe should ship a “clear message to the United States and the new administration,” reaffirming its support for Ukraine “for as lengthy and as a lot as wanted.”
He additionally underscored the significance of strengthening Europe’s protection and safety.
European leaders gathered in Budapest for the fifth European Political Community (EPC) summit, the place they mentioned international points, together with Ukraine and the Middle East.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is internet hosting the assembly, which may even deal with irregular migration and points associated to Europe’s financial safety.
Officials from EU member states and different nations are additionally anticipated to debate EU-US relations in gentle of Trump’s election victory.
Source: www.dailysabah.com