Brussels, 30/06/2011 (Agence Europe) - The European Union can still be influential in the world and present a united front on its economic relations, even as it struggles with the financial and sovereign debt crises, according to EU Council President Herman Van Rompuy. “The field of foreign economic relations is the most promising vector for Europe to speak with one voice in the world. We can do more, we can do better”, he said in a “State of the European Union” speech on June 29. “In my view, these external economic relations are one of the fields where the EU institutions and European businesses should work more closely together”, he told business representatives and politicians. Van Rompuy said it was important to focus on the EU's potential and not become bogged down in its problems. “In the middle of turmoil related to the difficulties of some countries in the eurozone we have to stay focused on the long term agenda. In difficult periods some are seduced by feelings of despair and pessimism instead of determination and hope. It is a mistake”, he said. (LoC)