New Delhi (NVI): The European Union (EU), often seen as a unifying body for Europe, has a fair share of challenges, according to its High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell.
“We are still a player in search for identity,” Borrell said while addressing the Raisina Dialogue here.
He said a nation’s foreign policy is often a means to project itself as a unified entity on the international stage but “The diverse backgrounds and contexts of EU states makes this positioning increasingly difficult.”
Commonality does not imply uniqueness. This was the overarching message from the EU Representative on the final day of Raisina Dialogue held in the national capital.
He acknowledged the differing narratives of the history of the EU member states that shape its diverse conceptions of an ideal future. In order to deal with these inherent differences, he advocated for economic cooperation as reflected in the common Euro currency and social cohesion through porous borders.
Borrell also admitted the fact that the EU is “facing a nationalist and populist comeback” that is threatening the foundations of a “multilateral rules based order” espoused by the EU. To address the rise of such authoritarian regimes, Borrell made a call towards taking onus for shaping the future world order.
Since its inception, the EU had built its image on not using brute power, he said. However, this trend must change and enhancement rather than curtailment of power is necessary: “If we want to take destiny in our hands, we need to talk the language of power. Soft power is not enough.”
He also criticised the US withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal and said that it jeopardised the progress made towards a stable and peaceful global regime.
Speaking on climate change, he urged for a will to fight the menace. “Let’s call it a green will,” he said while reiterating the EU’s commitment to be a carbon-neutral economy. While claiming that the EU is contributing “only 9 % of global emissions”, Borrell urged other developed countries also to join the journey towards zero-emission goal.
Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also held bilateral talks with the European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs on Friday. In his meeting with Borrell, Jaishankar discussed global and regional issues, multilateralism, connectivity, and counter-terrorism.
