EU seeks stronger ties with US while aspiring for greater autonomy

European Council President Charles Michel has stated that the European Union aims to strengthen its relationship with the United States, while also seeking greater autonomy in shaping its own future.

Speaking at the European Political Community summit in Budapest, Michel emphasized that while the EU shares significant common ground with the US, it also seeks to assert more control over its destiny, Caliber.Az reports citing Russian media.

“There is an important principle: we want to deepen our ties with the US because we have a lot in common. But we also want to be more masters of our own destiny,” Michel said, reflecting on the EU's approach to US relations in the wake of Donald Trump’s election victory.

The EU, according to Michel, is determined to increase its global influence and strengthen its economy. “We are ready to deepen our connection with the United States, based on mutual respect and a shared commitment to the UN system and international legal order,” he added.

Michel expressed confidence that the EU would be able to engage with the US administration in a “rational” and constructive manner.

Regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Michel reaffirmed the EU's unwavering support for Kyiv. “We have a clear position: we want to strengthen Ukraine because strengthening Ukraine means strengthening the EU,” he concluded.

The inaugural summit of the European Political Community (EPC) took place in October 2022 in Prague, with participation from 44 countries. The EPC was initially established by Brussels as a strategic tool to counter Russia. As EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell remarked at the time, the European Neighborhood Policy (ENP) was designed to "send a signal to Russia about a new world order without it."

By Vafa Guliyeva