Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, delivered a significant address at the World Economic Forum on January 17, 2024, where she laid out her vision for the future of the European Union while responding to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent tariff threats. Emphasizing the theme of this year’s forum, “A Spirit of Dialogue,” she highlighted the need for “European independence” amid rising geopolitical tensions.
During her speech, von der Leyen firmly stated that should Trump proceed with the proposed tariffs, the EU would respond with an “unflinching, united, and proportional” reaction. Despite her resolute stance, she advocated for cooperation over retaliation. “Arctic security can only be achieved together. This is why the proposed additional tariffs are a mistake, especially between long-standing allies,” she remarked. Von der Leyen underscored that the EU and the U.S. had already agreed to a trade deal in July 2022, asserting, “A deal is a deal. And when friends shake hands, it must mean something.”
The European Commission President also warned that escalating tensions could benefit external adversaries. “Plunging us into a dangerous downward spiral would only aid the very adversaries we are both so committed to keeping out of our strategic landscape,” she stated.
Advocating for Change in a New Era
At the beginning of her address, von der Leyen reflected on the evolving global landscape, asserting that Europe must adapt to these changes. She acknowledged that significant geopolitical shocks could serve as opportunities for the EU. “The seismic change we are going through today is an opportunity, in fact, a necessity, to build a new form of European independence,” she explained.
Von der Leyen noted that her call for “European independence” had gained traction over the past year, shifting from skepticism to consensus among EU members. She emphasized that the old order is no longer viable, stating, “Nostalgia will not bring back the old order. And playing for time will not fix the structural dependencies we have.”
She urged Europe to embrace this moment of transformation and announced a new trade agreement with Latin America, which she described as a breakthrough after 25 years of negotiations. “The EU and Latin America have created the largest free trade zone in the world, a market worth over 20% of global GDP,” von der Leyen said, highlighting the significance of aligning with the Paris Agreement and promoting sustainability.
Future Partnerships and Global Economic Goals
Looking ahead, von der Leyen outlined her upcoming plans to enhance economic cooperation with India, referring to the potential agreement as “the mother of all deals.” She projected optimism about finalizing this historic trade deal, which would create a market encompassing 2 billion people and account for almost a quarter of global GDP. “Europe wants to do business with the growth centers of today and the economic powerhouses of this century,” she stated.
The European Commission President’s remarks at Davos not only addressed immediate economic concerns but also set a broader agenda for Europe’s role on the global stage. She reinforced her commitment to establishing a more independent and resilient European economy, capable of navigating the complexities of the 21st century.
In conclusion, von der Leyen’s address served as a clarion call for unity and adaptation within the European Union, urging member states to seize the moment and forge a path toward economic independence and global collaboration.
