Borrell: If you're not at the geopolitical game table, you'll be on the menu

EU High Representative for Foreign Policy and Security Josep Borrell called today to strengthen Europe's unity and security, warning that those who are not at the geopolitical game table “will be on menu”.

The fact that the US has chosen a president who will have concrete ideas for the most important scenarios in the world, in Ukraine, in the Middle East and in relations with China requires Europeans to understand their mission clearly. The most important mission is to build Europe as a force, as a sovereign entity, capable of acting, leaving our security to no one else, because no one else will take care of our security.

Borrell added that the EU should take care of its independence, economic security and relations with China.

For all of this, one word and more important is needed: unity to build a stronger Europe”, Borell stressed.

At the same time, he announced he will visit Ukraine in the coming days to see with Ukrainian authorities how the EU can continue its support for that country and added that the EU wants to remain a strong US partner, but that it must build its capacities.

“Whatever happens in the US, we have our interests, we have our values”, Borell said, speaking to reporters prior to the second day of the informal meeting of EU heads of states or governments in Budapest.

He stressed that Europe's only recipe for survival is to be more united and to build a stronger and more sovereign Europe, capable of coping with world challenges, leaving its security to anyone else.

“We must ensure our security, certainly counting on NATO, but building more capacity. Clearly, Europeans must build their own security,” said Borell.

He added that this security requires more defence investments, but also technology, to ensure EU independence and sovereignty.

If you're not on the geopolitical game table, you'll be on the menu. The same can be said of Ukraine. Ukraine should be on the table, not on the” menu, he also said, adding that the EU should continue to support Ukraine's sovereignty and independence.

The “Recipe for the future of the EU is unity. I want to insist on this, so they can face all challenges,” said Borell.