Blinken says EU and US need to show the world that democracy can deliver

Yesterday (24 March) US Secretary of State Tony Blinken visited the European Commission, meeting with the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and the EU’s High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security, Josep Borrell. The meetings took place ahead of the European Council where President Biden will address European leaders.

In a statement, Blinken said that the United States was recommitting to its alliances and revitalizing its partnerships to meet the challenges of our time. Von der Leyen thanked the Secretary of State for the US’s renewed commitment to the Paris climate agreement and cooperation on fighting the pandemic.   

Blinked said that he saw the European Union as a partner of first resort, the discussion was wide-ranging and included: COVID-19, the challenges of Russia and China, and economic recovery. 

Blinken underlined the importance of the US and EU’s shared values: “There is a fundamental debate underway about the future and whether democracy or autocracy offers the best path forward. I think it's up to us to come together and show the world that democracy can deliver for our people, and also for each other.”

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