We set ourselves a goal of ending the import of Russian gas and oil from 2027, it's time to end fossil fuels in the EU once and for all, said today the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen during debates in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, dedicated to the last meeting of the European Council on June 26, BTA reported.
Regarding the negotiations with the US to conclude a trade agreement in principle, she noted that the tariffs imposed by Washington since February are unprecedented. In her words, these tariffs cover 70 percent of trade with the EU. This is unprecedented, so we must be firm, said Von der Leyen. We prefer a negotiated solution, we are working to reach an agreement. We stick to our principles, we protect our interests, we continue to act in good faith and we are ready for any development, she summarized.
In the last year, we have observed a huge change in global economic relations. Innovative companies must be able to grow in the EU. Europe must become more attractive to investors, we are working to reduce the bureaucratic burden. Doing business in the EU must become cheaper, said the President of the EC.
In his speech, the President of the European Council Antonio Costa pointed out that improving European defense is the best way to preserve a stable transatlantic union. He noted the opportunities provided by the EU to increase defense spending.
Costa called for more diplomacy and said that support for Ukraine and the enlargement of the EU to the Western Balkans are the most important geopolitical investments. We need to look further afield, he added, on the development of EU relations with countries in all regions of the world.
The President of the European Council defended the conclusion of more trade agreements by the EU and insisted on the conclusion of the agreement with the Mercosur countries (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay) by the end of the year. If we want to export our standards in terms of social benefits and environmental protection, we need to conclude international trade agreements; tariffs do not spread standards, unlike trade, Costa said.