Brussels, 6 November 2023 (MIA) - Addressing the EU Ambassadors Conference 2023 in Brussels on Monday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the world is in many ways an irreversibly different place, conflicts are multiplying around our borders and the pain suffered by innocent civilians shakes the conscience of the world. She added that all this was happening against the backdrop of huge transformations, such as climate change or the rise of new technologies that could redefine not only economies, but societies and security. 

 

"These times of conflict and change call for Europe to be even more engaged on the global stage. The size and scale of today's events require that we act and think strategically. Even and especially when the fog of war is thick, and emotions run high. Our times require that our Union makes full use of its foreign policy potential, ranging from traditional diplomacy to trade, to aid and to investments. These are the principles that have driven us so far. Engagement. Strategic thinking. And unity of action," said von der Leyen. 

 

She noted that she visited Kyiv over the weekend, and the message heard from everyone there is crystal clear - the people of Ukraine are longing to join the EU, they believe in Europe, and they trust Europe more than ever before.  

 

"This is because an entire continent has mobilised in support of Ukraine. But also because of the incredible work of the EU staff in the country," von der Leyen stressed. 

 

The EC President pointed out that Russia's goal had been regime change, but instead Ukraine is standing strong and moving with ambition and determination on its path towards the European Union. 

 

"Russia wanted to erase Ukraine's national identity. Instead, the war has forged Ukraine's identity stronger than ever. Russia wanted to weaken NATO. Instead, NATO is revitalised with two new allies, and defence spending rising across Europe. Russia's army has lost half of its conventional equipment and sacrificed over 100,000 of their young men... one thing is clear: because of Ukraine's resolve, and because of our unwavering support, this war will remain a strategic failure for the Kremlin," von der Leyen pointed out, adding that support for Ukraine will continue for as long as it takes.  

 

According to her, the EU's objective must continue to be a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, not another frozen conflict, and the best way to give Ukraine stability and prosperity in the mid and long term is Membership in the European Union. 

 

Von der Leyen also commented on developments in the Middle East, pointing out that there is no justification for the horror that Hamas unleashed against innocent men, women, children and babies on 7 October. 

 

"In the wake of the worst mass murder of Jews since the Holocaust, it is our moral duty to demonstrate our full solidarity with the people of Israel. Israel has the right to defend itself, in line with international law and international humanitarian law. This is and continues to be the essential starting point. And this is also what gives us the credibility to discuss Israel's response to Hamas' terror. But also to come forward with ideas about a much needed political solution, building on our legacy as champions of the two-state solution," von der Leyen added. 

 

She underlined that supporting Israel is essential, but aiding civilians in Gaza is essential too.

 

"The humanitarian situation is dire. The death toll and the suffering of Palestinian civilians is tragic. And as policymakers we face a dreadful dilemma. Israel has the right to defend itself while Hamas bunkers, hides fighters and stores weapons below refugee camps and civilian infrastructure. Hamas is clearly using innocent Palestinians and hostages as human shields. It is horrific. It is pure evil. So, while Israel has the right to fight Hamas, it is also essential that it strives to avoid civilian casualties, and to be as targeted as possible. Because every human life matters, be it Israeli or Palestinian," said the EC President. 

 

She noted that the EU is currently focusing its efforts on three main directions - on humanitarian support to Gaza, on bringing all hostages to safety, and on doing everything in its power to avoid a regional conflict.  

 

"Millions of people all across the world, feel that the Middle East is stuck in a spiral of endless conflict. Where violence only leads to more violence. But this does not have to be the case," von der Leyen stressed.  

 

According to her, Gaza can be no safe haven for terrorists, which implies that the terrorist organisation Hamas cannot control or govern Gaza. There should be only one Palestinian Authority, and one Palestinian State.

 

"Europe stands ready to work with all people and countries in the region to make it happen. All of this may look overly ambitious, as the war still rages on. But we must spare no effort to keep the hope alive. To find a lasting solution, based on two States, living side by side in peace and security. It is time for an international effort towards peace in the Middle East. And we will play our part," von der Leyen said.  

 

She also mentioned the EU's relationship with China, noting it is one of the most intricate and important anywhere in the world.  

 

"The Chinese Communist Party's clear goal is a systemic change of the international order, with China at its centre. We have seen it with China's positions in multilateral bodies, which show its determination to promote an alternative vision of the world order. But this rivalry can be constructive, not hostile. And this is why we need functioning channels of communication and high-level diplomacy," said von der Leyen.  

 

According to her, China and Europe have a shared interest in stability in the Middle East, so every measure of influence that Beijing has on Hamas and on Iran needs to be used to prevent further escalation.

 

"We must also be clear-eyed on how China's global posture is changing. We see a strong push to make China less dependent on the world, and the world more dependent on China. Geopolitics and geoeconomics cannot be seen as separate anymore," added the President of the EC. 

 

She noted that clear and transparent benefits are at the heart of the Global Gateway programme as a new way to partner with third countries.

 

"These are all investments in prosperity for our partners, as well as in Europe's economic security. As Team Europe, we have the size and the financial firepower to bring about real change. And we are finally making use of our massive economic assets in a much more strategic way," von der Leyen said. 

 

According to her, whether facing a rogue Russia, a boiling Middle East or a fragmented global economy, the core of Europe's response must stay the same.

 

"We need to act together, aligning our interests and our values. Because what happens to democracy and freedom, peace and security, in one part of the world directly affects the lives of Europeans here in our Union. We have a lot we can draw on. Europe's greatest strength lies in the diversity of the assets we can mobilise. From aid to trade, from sanctions to investments. And you, dear Ambassadors, play a central and crucial role. Our Delegations are the hubs of our external action. In a world where size and weight matter, we must put the full force of our Union at the service of peace, security and prosperity," von der Leyen told the EU Ambassadors Conference 2023 in Brussels. 

 

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