President Ursula von der Leyen attended the European Political Community summit in Tirana, Albania.
Amid recent developments, such as President Putins non-appearance in Türkiye, von der Leyen announced the EUs new sanctions on Nord Stream, crude oil pricing, and Russias financial sector.
“Our aim is peace. We must apply pressure on Putin until he pursues peace,” she asserted.
The President underscored Europes solidarity and the need to close innovation gaps, enhance competitiveness, and bolster resilience.
“Europe is fully alert. We must progress by expanding global partnerships,” she remarked.
She described efforts to improve European connectivity and stability via the Ukraine Facility and Growth Plans for the Western Balkans and Moldova, also revealing an EU Black Sea strategy.
Von der Leyen also pointed out investment opportunities in Central Asia, following the EU-Central Asia Summit.
In conclusion, she highlighted the EPCs capacity to collectively tackle European challenges.
At the summits margins, she met Azerbaijans President Aliyev and Armenias Prime Minister Pashinyan, commending their peace treaty and the EUs investment aspirations for regional connectivity.
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Speech by President von der Leyen at the opening of the plenary session
Doorstep remarks by the President during her arrival to the summit