Political scientist Krastev and commission deputy head Šefčovič analyzed the tough decisions facing the EU.
Salzburg. The host set the pace. The European Union is facing the greatest challenges since its inception, said EU Budget Commissioner Johannes Hahn at the opening of the Global Europe Seminar in Leopoldskron Palace in Salzburg. Nobody should contradict him.
The war in Ukraine is a wake-up call. “Europe must learn to stand on its own two feet. Economically, technologically, in terms of security policy and in terms of raw materials,” explained EU Vice President Maroš Šefčovič, who is also responsible for future issues. Europe must not only reduce its dependence on Russian gas and oil, but also ensure international diversification for all critical raw materials. The Slovak underlined the importance of the transatlantic alliance. But he also had unspoken concerns about how long the USA could still be relied on. The Trump trauma is still having an impact. “What if the EU were alone?” asked Šefčovič.