In front of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Chancellor Scholz advocated that Europe should turn to the world instead of positioning itself as a great power. Global partnerships are more important than ever.
In Strasbourg, Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized Europe’s global responsibility. “Europe has a global responsibility because the well-being of Europe cannot be separated from the well-being of the rest of the world,” he said in his speech in the European Parliament.
He spoke out against efforts for the EU to position itself as a third major power alongside the USA and China. “Anyone who nostalgically indulges in the dream of a European world power, who serves national great power fantasies, is stuck in the past.” French President Emmanuel Macron, among others, recently advocated an EU as a global center of power alongside the USA and China.
Instead, he emphasized the importance of partnerships – also with the Global South. According to the Chancellor, not less but more openness and more cooperation are the order of the day in order to secure a good place for Europe in the world of tomorrow. “A place not above or below other countries and regions. But on an equal footing with others, at their side,” he said.
Scholz wants FTA Remove
Europe must turn to the world. In this context, he campaigned for the EU to quickly conclude further free trade agreements with various countries. He cited the South American Mercosur states, Mexico, India, Indonesia, Australia and Kenya as examples.
There are also many other countries in the future, he said, and received applause from Parliament. Scholz warned: “If we continue to negotiate new free trade agreements for years without result, then others will dictate the rules in the future – with lower environmental and social standards.”
Support for Ukraine – “power posturing” in Moscow
According to Scholz, what is needed now is a geopolitical, expanded, reformed and future-oriented EU. This includes a much closer integration of defense efforts and the development of an integrated European defense economy, he explained. In addition, the course for the reconstruction of Ukraine must be set now.
Referring to today’s military parade on May 9th in Moscow, Scholz said: “Let’s not be intimidated by such a display of power. Let’s remain steadfast in our support of Ukraine – as long as it is necessary.”
Scholz for rapid reform of the asylum system
A common and uniform path is also important when it comes to refugee migration. “We are united by the goal of better controlling and organizing irregular migration – without betraying our values,” he said. The EU can take advantage of the fact that Europe urgently needs workers.
The Union should create avenues for regular migration and link this to the requirement that countries of origin and transit take back those who do not have the right to stay. Measures for effective protection of the external border also have their place in this overall package.
Scholz campaigned “urgently for the progress that we have made in reforming the Common European Asylum System in the Council after long and difficult negotiations to be wrapped up before the European elections.” The European elections will take place next year.
Scholz spoke as part of the “This is Europe” debate series, in which heads of state and government are invited to put their views up for discussion in the European Parliament. He is the tenth EU head of government to appear in Strasbourg. After his speech, a debate took place in plenary.