European Commission president sets out opportunities and challenges facing the European Union
Von der Leyen frames it as a choice between “independent Europe that stands up for its values in this world,” or “letting divisions and dependencies hold us back.”
“Do we want to rally around our European idea that together we can decide our own destiny? Or do we let our democracies be undermined by the proxies and puppets of authoritarians?
Whether it is the ultra nationalist or the anti-European, whether it’s Russian interference or disinformation, the names may be different, but their goal is the same.
“We see this in the rise of the extreme and the decline of nuance, even in the way that we relate to each other. These real concerns are being weaponised to drive a wedge between us, sometimes from the outside, but too often from the inside.
But our path is clear. Building an independent Europe that has the power to act. Nothing can divert us from this. Because in this world, the fate of Europe must remain in the hands of Europeans.” Continue reading…
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