British News Agency

European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas stated that Europe must align its global partnerships with its own strategic interests.

Referring to geopolitical positioning and the council agenda, Kallas said, “If Europe wants to be a geopolitical actor, we must be more strategic in our external relations. At today’s Development Council, we will discuss how Europe can better align its aid, trade, security and defence partnerships with both our partners’ development needs and our own strategic interests.”

Drawing attention to investment strategies and the Global Gateway program, Kallas stated, “Global Gateway investments should focus where they can create the greatest impact and where countries are aligned with our interests.”

Delivering a message of flexibility and sanctions regarding relations with third countries, Kallas said, “If a partner country supports Russia or Iran, our relations must remain flexible, and we must be able to reorganize accordingly.”