Von der Leyen calls for EU foreign policy to be more realistic and interest-driven'

"We urgently need to reflect on whether our doctrine, our institutions and our decision making all designed in a postwar world of stability and multilateralism have kept pace with the speed of change around us. Whether the system that we built with all of its well-intentioned attempts at consensus and compromise is more a help or a hindrance to our credibility as a geopolitical actor."

"The union will always defend and uphold the rules-based system but could no longer rely on it to defend European interests and shelter the continent from threats."

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen addressed EU ambassadors, arguing that Europe must reassess its foreign policy approach and institutional frameworks designed in the post-war era. She contended that while the EU remains committed to defending the rules-based system, it can no longer depend on this system alone to safeguard European interests and shield the continent from emerging threats. Von der Leyen questioned whether European institutions and decision-making processes, built on consensus and compromise, remain effective for establishing credibility as a geopolitical actor in a rapidly changing world. She emphasized the need for urgent reflection on whether current doctrines and structures keep pace with contemporary challenges and threats.

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