Von der Leyen to EU ambassadors: "We have our own role, let's build European foreign policy"

Brussels – “The need is to build a European foreign policy” that is “focused” and holds firm to the principle that we negotiate when we can and when we must, but not at all costs. Translated: “If mutual benefits are in sight, we are ready to engage with you.” Otherwise, nothing. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen spurs EU ambassadors around the world to a new diplomacy that is pragmatic and responsive to today’s world. “Much of the world sees Europe as stronger than we see it ourselves, and Europe—insists von der Leyen —has much more influence in this world than we might sometimes think.” A tool to be used, even in confrontation with lifelong friends.

The chairwoman of the community executive is good at not naming names, saying what she has to in a way that does not expose herself but still goes for the kill. Von der Leyen never calls Donald Trump into question, but what she says lends itself well to being read as a reference to the president of the United States. It is true when she warns the ambassadors that “there will be an increased use and threat of instruments of economic coercion, such as sanctions, export controls, and tariffs.” A clear reference to Trump and his “trade bullying”, against which von der Leyen reiterates firmness: “We prepare for every scenario,” she says. It also means possibly an EU-US tariff war.

Flags of the European Union and the United States [photo: imagoeconomica].

The passage in which the chairwoman of the European Commission stresses that “each country must also be free to choose its destiny democratically can also be read as anti-Trump” and that “borders cannot be changed by force,” a reference to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, certainly, but also to the U.S. wants to take Greenland. Moreover, “The United Nations charter remains at the heart of our commitment,” von der Leyen remarks. It can be read as a condemnation of Russian aggression on Ukraine but also as criticism of Trump’s U.S. choice to disavow the World Health Organization (WHO), which is a UN body.

Von der Leyen doesn’t mince words: after all, she is not an ambassador, and invites them to “change the way we act.” A call to be prepared to “engage in difficult negotiations, even with long-standing partners“— another reference to the United States—and an invitation at the same time to accept “having to work with countries that do not have similar ideas but share some of our interests.” The EU Commission president insists that “the basic principle of diplomacy in this new world is to keep your eyes on the target.” This means realpolitik, “finding common ground with partners for our mutual benefit, and accepting that sometimes we will have to disagree.”

This is “a new approach that regards ensuring Europe’s future security and prosperity,” von der Leyen insists. It also concerns relations with the People’s Republic of China. “China is one of the most intricate and important countries in the world. How we handle it will be a determining factor in our future economic prosperity and national security.”

English version by the Translation Service of Withub