BRUSSELS, Nov 7 (KUNA) -- European officials and leaders called on Thursday for unity to address the regional and global challenges facing the EU and shaping its future.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, speaking at the fifth meeting of the European Political Community in Budapest, Hungary, which brought together leaders from across Europe, emphasized that achieving economic balance, enhancing competitiveness, and strengthening defence capabilities are fundamental issues in building Europeآ’s future.
The meeting also addressed security challenges facing Europe, particularly the Russian war against Ukraine, the ongoing escalation in the Middle East, irregular migration, and issues related to economic security and connectivity in areas such as energy, transport, information technology, and global trade.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg urged U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to continue supporting Ukraine, reminding him that North Koreaآ’s involvement in the conflict and the transfer of Russian military technology to Pyongyang directly threatens the United States.
He added, "I look forward to sitting down with Donald Trump to discuss how we can confront these threats together." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized some European leadersآ’ calls for Ukraine to make concessions to Russia, asserting that making any concessions was not considered as an option in Ukraine.
He said in a speech to the European leaders, "Some of you here strongly recommended that Ukraine make concessions to (Russian President Vladimir) Putin. This is unacceptable for Ukraine, and it is suicidal for all of Europe." Zelensky called on European leaders to adopt an approach of "peace through strength" to confront the "threat posed by Russia," emphasizing that Ukraine "needs enough weapons, not just support in negotiations." For his part, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that Europeans are living through a decisive moment in their history, asking: "Do we want to read the history written by others: the wars waged by Vladimir Putin, the U.S. elections, Chinaآ’s technological or commercial choices, or do we want to write our own history? I believe we have the strength to do so." Macron stressed the need for Europe to achieve strategic autonomy from the United States, emphasizing that "we must not delegate our security to America forever" and that Europeans should be providers of their own security. European leaders will continue discussing foreign affairs issues during an informal dinner tonight namely transatlantic relations, the latest developments in Georgia, and the recently adopted Israeli occupation legislation against the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
The informal European Council meeting will take place following the fifth meeting of the European Political Community. (end) arn.rk