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#SOTEU - European Union to lead reforms of the WHO and WTO so that they are fit for today's world
In today’s (16 September) ‘State of the European Union’ address to the European Parliament, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen acknowledged that multi-lateral organizations were in need of reform, but argued that this could be done by design rather than destruction.
Von der Leyen said that the EU is a firm believer in the strength and value of cooperation and international bodies, saying that only with a strong United Nations would long term solutions be found for countries like Libya and Syria. Likewise, she pointed to the importance of the World Health Organization in preparing and responding to global pandemics or local outbreaks.
At the same time, she acknowledged that there were problems with these organizations, that have led to a creeping paralysis and to major powers either pulling out or making the institutions hostage to their own interests. She argued for change by design, rather than destruction of the international system.
Von der Leyen said she wanted the European Union to lead reforms of the WHO and WTO so that they are fit for today's world.
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