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Davos (Switzerland) – “We will be pragmatic” regarding the new American administration, “but we will not renounce our principles” and will ensure to “protect our interests,” declared Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday in Davos, delivering one of the opening speeches at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Switzerland.
She did not specifically name Donald Trump, who is scheduled to speak on Thursday via videoconference, nor Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, who succeeded her on the podium. But she notably defended the Paris Agreement on climate change, which “remains humanity’s best hope” (which Donald Trump wants to exit).
“Europe will continue to advocate cooperation, not only with our long-time friends (…) but also with all countries with whom we have common interests,” von der Leyen said.
She specifically announced a trip to India and assured that the EU was ready to “extend a hand” to China and “deepen” its relationship with Beijing. (January 21, 2025)