EU, von der Leyen: ‘The world is shaken, we need a stronger and more independent Europe’

Strasbourg (France), 21 January (LaPresse) – “The change in the international order is not only seismic, but permanent. And the speed of change far exceeds anything we have seen in recent decades. We live in a world defined by pure power, whether economic or military, technological or geopolitical. And while many of us may not like it, we have to deal with the world as it is now. Which brings me to the second reality, and imperative, for Europe. Namely, to accelerate our drive towards independence.‘ This was stated by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, speaking at the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg. ’We have witnessed events that have shaken the world. From national protests – and repression – in Iran to the seizure of shadow fleet tankers in the North Atlantic. From the unstable situation around the Arctic and Greenland to the relentless bombing of Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure. From tensions in the Middle East to the Indo-Pacific. All of this reflects a series of realities for Europe,” she said.