Today, President Ursula von der Leyen was in Davos to address the annual World Economic Forum, which this year bears the motto 'A Spirit of Dialogue'.
In a geopolitical landscape in constant flux, the Commission President highlighted the need to build a new form of European independence.
The President said Europe is moving with speed and determination, from energy and raw materials to defence and digital. Europe needs the same urgency mindset that has made possible progress in the field of defence in the last year than in decades before.
She mentioned trade, in which unprecedented steps have been taken. Last weekend, the EU and Mercosur signed an agreement that creates one of the largest trade areas in the world, with 31 countries and 700 million citizens. Other agreements have also been concluded with Mexico, Indonesia and Switzerland; progress has been made with Australia, the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates; and a deal with India is within reach: "Right after Davos, I will travel to India. There is still work to do. But we are on the cusp of a historic trade agreement. Some call it the mother of all deals. One that would create a market of 2 billion people, accounting for almost a quarter of global GDP. And, crucially, that would provide a first-mover advantage for Europe with one of the world's fastest growing and most dynamic economies," the President said.
The President went on to describe the steps that Europe needs to take to become more competitive: "As things stand too many companies have to look abroad to grow and scale up – partly because they face a new set of rules every time they expand into a new Member State. So while on paper the market of 450 million Europeans is open to them, it is far more complicated in reality. And that acts as a handbrake on the growth and profit potential of companies."
President von der Leyen said the Commission is working on the 28th regime to have a single set of rules applicable across the EU: "We call it EU Inc," she said. "Our entrepreneurs will be able to register a company in any Member State within 48 hours – fully online. They will enjoy the same capital regime all across the EU. Ultimately, we need a system where companies can do business and raise financing seamlessly across Europe."
She also insisted on the importance of building a Savings and Investments Union that enables businesses to find the funding they need in Europe, and of completing a more interconnected and affordable energy market with the Commission's Affordable Energy Action Plan.
Full engagement for security in the Arctic
The President addressed the current situation with Greenland and the United States: "When it comes to the security of the Arctic region, Europe is fully committed. And we share the objectives of the United States in this regard. For instance, Finland – one of the newest NATO members – is selling its first icebreakers to the US. This shows that we have the capability right here."
More specifically, on the tariffs proposed by the US administration, President von der Leyen described them as a mistake: "The EU and US have agreed to a trade deal last July. And in politics as in business – a deal is a deal. And when friends shake hands, it must mean something," she said.
The President announced that the Commission is working on a package of support to the Arctic security based on respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark. The package will include massive investments in Greenland to support the local economy and close cooperation in matters of security with allies and partners in the Arctic, including the US, the UK, Canada, Norway and Iceland.
She also stated: "I believe Europe needs to adjust to the new security architecture and realities that we are now facing. This is why Europe is preparing its own security strategy, which we plan to publish later this year. As part of this, we are upgrading our Arctic strategy."
The President concluded reiterating that Europe needs to adapt quickly to the new realities: "Europe must speed up its push for independence – from security to economy, from defence to democracy. The point is that the world has changed permanently. We need to change with it."
