The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said that the European Union wants the Western Balkans and Ukraine to join the European family, because they belong to the European family. She said that the EU accession process is an extremely important step and that there can no longer be gray areas in Europe.
“Europe is built on democratic values and represents a peace project that is unique in the world. And that is what Putin and other autocrats are aiming for. Here, too, people understand that it will affect their lives,” Von der Leyen said on a panel at the Munich Security Conference.
Von der Leyen also said that the European Commission will present in three weeks a proposal for a dedicated industry strategy, and will also open an office for innovation in the military sector in Ukraine.
“Europe must strengthen its industrial base. I am a convinced supporter of transatlantic ties, and at the same time we have to build a strong Europe, and that goes hand in hand,” said Von der Leyen on a panel at the Munich Security Conference.
Foreign ministers of the group of seven industrial powers (G7) observed a minute’s silence at the start of their meeting in Munich on Saturday for Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who died in prison on Friday, the Italian G7 presidency said.
“Due to his ideas and fight for freedom and against corruption in Russia, Navalny was de facto brought to death,” said the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani, opening a gathering of the largest democratic states on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.
“Russia must shed light on his death and stop its unacceptable repression of political dissidents – said Tajani, his ministry said,” according to Reuters.
