Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Its great to be back at the Atlantic Council.
A well-known saying goes: Never let a good crisis go to waste.
Jean Monnet once said, Europe will be forged in crises and will be the sum of the solutions adopted for those crises.
Today, uncertainty is high, but this also presents opportunities for Europe. How can the EU best seize these opportunities?
Here are five opportunities Europe is determined to seize:
- Using our predictability as a strength.
- Improving our security and defense.
- Investing in our internal market of 450 million consumers.
- Reducing bureaucracy to boost our competitiveness.
- Expanding our global partnerships.
On predictability: during the COVID-19 pandemic, the EU responded quickly and effectively. Also, in the energy crisis, we worked together to ensure gas supplies and reduce our dependence on Russian fossil fuels.
Regarding defense: Europe must take more responsibility for its security and share the burden with NATO allies. We support Ukraine in its fight against aggression and strive for a just peace.
The internal market is a strategic asset. By removing barriers, we can increase our competitiveness and attract talent and investment.
We are reducing bureaucracy with a goal to lower administrative costs for companies by 25%.
On partnerships and trade: the EU continues to invest in relationships with the US and other countries to strengthen economic security.
Europe will not let this crisis go to waste and will seize the opportunities that arise.
Thank you.