To become a credible political actor, Europe must demonstrate unity

President of the Republic of Bulgaria Rumen Radev, President of the Republic of Estonia Alar Karis, President of the Hellenic Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulous, President of the Republic of Croatia Zoran Milanović, President of the Italian Republic Sergio Mattarella, President of the Republic of Latvia Edgars Rinkevičs, President of the Republic of Hungary Tamás Sulyok, President of the Federal Republic of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of the Slovak Republic Peter Pellegrini and President of the Republic of Slovenia Nataša Pirc Musar are meeting in Krakow at the invitation of the host, President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda.

The central topic of today’s meeting are the prospects of strengthening transatlantic relations in times of global challenges and threats. This issue is one of the priorities of Poland’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU. The summit is also taking place less than a month before the US presidential election, which provides an additional framework for discussion on future relations between the European Union and the United States of America.

At the meeting, President Pirc Musar highlighted the importance of further strengthening transatlantic relations: "The EU–USA partnership is our most important bilateral relationship. The strong economic connection is central to the continued development of our strategic bond, which benefits people on both sides of the Atlantic." She added that Europe must not overlook the complexity of these relations. "We must be aware that the US is deeply divided. Support for Europe in US Congress can no longer be taken for granted. That is why we must always talk to both Republicans and Democrats about issues of concern to Europe, no matter who wins this or any other election," said the President.

In the context of current geopolitical challenges, the President stressed the importance of Europe’s defence autonomy. "Will the US come to defend Europe if needed? Realistically, the US will not be prepared to fight more than one large-scale military campaign at once." She highlighted the need for peace discourse, looking for ways to resolve conflicts peacefully and returning to the fundamental principles of international law including the territorial integrity of states. She added that words were not enough. "We Europeans will only be heard if we prove that we are credible partners in this new global architecture. To become a credible political actor, Europe must demonstrate unity. By unity, I don’t mean just collectively ensuring our security, including human security, but above all acting as a credible political power that can support and embrace the same values."

An important part of the discussion between European leaders was dedicated to the war in Ukraine. The Presidents reaffirmed their commitment to continued support for Ukraine – not only military but also humanitarian. President Pirc Musar said: "It remains crucial for us to support Ukraine in its defence against Russian aggression but also in its fight for the rule of law and for human rights, including minority rights." The President also called attention to conflicts in other parts of the world. "More than fifty wars are currently being fought. Here too, Europe must demonstrate its ability to play a leading role in the defence of fundamental human rights, norms and values, and ultimately human dignity. Again: for all, and all equally," she said.

Finally, President Pirc Musar highlighted the importance of energy security and an equitable green transition. "Slovenia is moving away from Russian fossil fuels by diversifying its gas supply and promoting the energy transition," she said. She added that the green transition must also be "just and accessible to all".

Although informal, the meetings of the Arraiolos Group serve as a platform for exchanging views, experience and visions. They also provide an opportunity for discussing the future of the European Union and global challenges and enable the strengthening of bilateral relations. The 19th Arraiolos meeting will conclude with an official dinner, hosted by Polish President Andrzej Duda.