In her most recent speech to EU ambassadors, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, underlined on Monday 2 September the leading role expected of the EU at global level.
"The world expects the EU to play a leading role", she said in her speech to the ambassadors. According to Ms Mogherini, "The world expects us to be a point of reference, a peacemaker, a provider of security and a voice of rationality.
"Are we aware of it, are we ready to play this role, do we want to play it?" are questions that are asked of it, she added. Ms Mogherini herself admitted that when Europeans mobilise all their tools, "the power of our engagement is immense", they underestimate themselves and do not fully realise how powerful they can be.
According to the High Representative, during her term of office, "the EU's presence has grown and evolved" in the world, and she has seen a growing demand for this presence. "Partners ask us to remain engaged, to continue to support mediation, the promotion of free and fair trade or the fight against climate change", she detailed as examples.
And according to the High Representative, it is in the EU's interest "to remain strongly and consistently engaged in world affairs in every region of the world". "The more difficult the world becomes, the more partners need us at their side, on the path of cooperation and the difficult search for a win-win solution", she argued.
Ms Mogherini reiterated the need to work within the framework of multilateralism "which is not only about the United Nations" and the importance of partnerships, giving the example of the partnership with Africa. "We have moved from working for Africa to working with Africa", she said.
In addition, the EU has moved from a crisis and emergency management policy to a crisis prevention position. "Resilience is at the heart of our action", explained the High Representative, who also highlighted the need for more flexible and creative diplomacy. According to her, it is not only necessary to have talks with governments, but also with civil society, the private sector and local authorities, "if we want to have a real impact on the ground".
Finally, the High Representative once again called for more coherent and consistent action. "The EU is what we make of it. It needs everyone's contribution. It needs every nation, every institution, every citizen", she said. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)