The European Union (EU) must strengthen its competitiveness, reinforce its economic foundations, and assume greater responsibility in the field of security, said former President of the European Council Charles Michel while answering questions during a panel discussion at the Global Baku Forum held in Baku, APA reports.
He stated that the project on which the European Union was founded is based on principles such as peace, democracy, and international law, but these values are currently under pressure from various sides.
Charles Michel noted that the war in Ukraine and the developments in the Middle East have created serious geopolitical challenges for Europe. According to him, against the background of these processes, values such as international law, democratic principles, and human dignity are increasingly facing threats.
He added that the increase of “double standards” in international relations in recent years undermines international law and the foundations of the global order.
Charles Michel also emphasized that the EU must take more decisive steps in three main directions in the coming period:
“The first direction is strengthening Europe’s competitiveness and economic development, as well as reducing excessive regulations that hinder innovation.
The second direction is expanding Europe’s capabilities in the field of security and defense.”
According to him, strengthening Europe’s defense potential has already become an urgent issue: “The third direction is the diversification of global economic ties and supply chains. The period when Europe depended on Russian energy resources and cheap production chains is now coming to an end.”
Charles Michel added that the traditional strategic alliance between the United States and the EU is also changing, and this makes it necessary for Europe to make more independent decisions.
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