President Ursula von der Leyen was in Tirana, Albania for the European Political Community summit.
Following recent events, including President Putins absence in Türkiye, von der Leyen announced new EU sanctions targeting Nord Stream, crude oil prices, and the Russian financial sector.
“Our priority is peace. We must keep pressure on Putin until he seeks peace,” she stated.
The President emphasized Europes unity and the importance of closing the innovation gap, boosting competitiveness, and enhancing resilience.
“Europe is wide awake. We must advance by strengthening partnerships worldwide,” she said.
She outlined plans to enhance European connectivity and stability through initiatives like the Ukraine Facility and Growth Plans for the Western Balkans and Moldova, and announced an EU Black Sea strategy.
Von der Leyen also highlighted investment opportunities in Central Asia, following the EU-Central Asia Summit.
Concluding, she noted the EPCs role in addressing European challenges collectively.
On the summits sidelines, she met with Azerbaijans President Aliyev and Armenias Prime Minister Pashinyan, praising their peace treaty and the EUs regional investment plans.
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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