European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Thursday called for deeper cooperation and greater resilience in the face of mounting geopolitical challenges, telling leaders at the European Political Community (EPC) summit that “Europe is wide awake” and ready to act.
Speaking at the opening plenary in the Albanian capital, von der Leyen said the world was experiencing historic changes, with the global order under threat from Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and other international tensions.
“When the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, many believed economic and political freedom would naturally converge,” she said. “But today, history has returned — and so have geopolitics.”
Von der Leyen said Russia’s war in Ukraine had prompted Europe to become more united and determined. “Europe has emerged bigger and stronger from every crisis,” she said, referring to recent challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic, the energy crisis, and the climate emergency.
She underscored that the EPC was created in part to demonstrate unity in support of Ukraine and preserve peace in Europe, while warning that Moscow had “left Europe.”
Sanctions and next steps
Von der Leyen noted that most EPC members had supported tough sanctions on Russia, which she said were having a significant impact. “Russia’s oil and gas revenues have dropped by almost 80% compared to pre-war levels,” she said. “Its deficit is growing, interest rates are soaring, and inflation is now over 10%.”
She confirmed that the EU was preparing a new package of sanctions aimed at increasing pressure on Moscow. The measures will likely include sanctions on Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines, targeting vessels in Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet,” lowering the oil price cap, and new restrictions on Russia’s financial sector.
“We want peace,” von der Leyen said. “And it is time to seriously engage on that.”
Connectivity and prosperity
Von der Leyen also highlighted the importance of connectivity and economic integration for long-term peace. She cited EU initiatives such as the Ukraine Facility and the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans and Moldova as key drivers of regional stability.
The EU will also unveil a new strategy for the Black Sea and a connectivity agenda linking Europe with Central Asia via the South Caucasus, she said.
“This is an amazing vision to work on – to invest in cross-border transport, enhance trade, and create digital links across the EPC,” she said.
Von der Leyen closed by calling the EPC a “web of partnerships” and a demonstration of Europe’s capacity to address shared challenges. “With confidence, hope and determination, I can say: long live Europe,” she said.