In European foreign policy, we are permanently confronted with conflicts in our neighbourhood, growing competition between rival powers, challenges to the multilateral system and our values, disputes over the terms of trade and who sets the rules on technologies, and the global effects of climate change – to name just a few issues we deal with every day.
The post of EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy / Vice-President of the Commission (HR/VP) offers a wide-open window on the world. As any observer, I am influenced by my own perspective. I do not agree with the relativism of 19th-century Spanish philosopher de Campoamor claiming in a famous poem that nothing is true or false and that everything depends on “the colour of your glasses”. Some things are definitely true and others false, but we have to deal with different positions on almost all subjects. We live in a permanent ‘battle of narratives’ about the issues that determine our future. We have to understand these different positions if we want to look for a common ground. In particular common ground among Europeans, which is the duty of the HR/VP.
With this blog, I intend to take a step back and contribute to building a European common strategic culture. The responsibilities of the HR/VP do not always allow me to speak out as clearly as I would like. But I will try to present here my personal views, looking through the glasses of a convinced European, on the main issues at stake for Europe and its global role. Thank you for giving these thoughts your time and attention. I hope this blog can help create better understanding of the issues on which we are engaged.
In addition to my blog posts, you will also find here a repository of interviews, speeches, opinion pieces and videos.
27/11/2020 – HR/VP Blog – During Monday’s Foreign Affairs Council with Development Ministers, we focused on the growing levels of debt that emerging and developing countries are facing due to the economic impact of the pandemic. We must tackle this problem in the coming months to avoid a serious rise in global poverty and inequality.
24/11/2020 – HR/VP blog – With a ‘democratic recession’ underway and new threats to democracy emerging, we need to step up the defence of democracy, both at home and abroad. In particular, we should deepen our cooperation with fellow democracies to counter the rise of authoritarianism.
20/11/2020 – HR/VP Blog – Today, EU Defence Ministers discussed how to address tomorrow’s challenges and how the EU can become a stronger security partner. The Strategic Compass, the Permanent Structured Cooperation and the Coordinated Annual Review on Defence are key to achieve this objective.
19/11/2020 - HRVP blog - The ten countries of ASEAN and five Asia-Pacific countries (China, Japan, Korea, Australia and New Zealand) have just agreed a major trade deal that covers 30% of the world’s population and GDP. As the European Union, we welcome rules-based, multilateral economic integration and we should be pro-active by enhancing our engagement in and with ASEAN and the Indo-Pacific region.
16/11/2020 – HR/VP Blog – Last Friday, I participated in the third edition of the Paris Peace Forum, devoted to the response to the pandemic crisis and the principles that should govern the post-Covid international order.
13/11/2020 – HR/VP blog – With the BioNTech vaccine announcement, we are beginning to see light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel. However, with progress comes the risk of “vaccine nationalism”. From the start, we, as EU, have clearly chosen a multilateral approach. This needs also to become the global choice.
09/11/2020 – HR/VP Blog – The victory of Joe Biden as the President-elect has been warmly welcomed in Europe. Now we need to seize the opportunities this offers to rebuild EU-US cooperation. With a new US leadership ready to restore the partnership, the EU should prepare itself to step up its contributions. The world needs a US ready to listen and a Europe able to act.
06/11/20 - HR/VP blog – Last Tuesday we held the 5th EU-Pakistan strategic dialogue. With the prolonged and worsening COVID-19 crisis, the fight against terrorism and radicalisation, and the growing international tensions in the region and worldwide, it is more important than ever for the EU to deepen its ties with a country like Pakistan.
03/11/20 - HR/VP Blog - There is never any justification for callous killings such as those that have taken place recently in France and Austria. The EU stands united and we appeal to all our partners in the world to work closely with us to fight terror, hate speech and disinformation.
31/10/2020 - HRVP Blog - Since the beginning of my mandate, I have been working on a new EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime. We are now at the final stage of a long and complex process to establish it. Once the legal instruments adopted by the Council, this regime would allow us to go swiftly after perpetrators, wherever violations occur. Let me explain what this new regime is about and how the EU institutional machinery works.
27/10/20 -HR/VP Blog — The Western Mediterranean always has been, and always will be, a key region for Europe. However, in order to develop mutually beneficial relations across the Mediterranean, we will have to successfully bridge the divide growing between its two shores, especially in economic terms.
22/10/2020 - HR/VP blog - Last month, President Xi Jinping pledged that China would become carbon neutral by 2060. This announcement could be a tipping point in the global fight against climate change. It will accompany European efforts in the field of climate diplomacy.
18/10/2020 - HR/VP blog - At our last Foreign Affairs Council, we took stock of our relations with Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) at a time when this region is going through a dramatic crisis because of COVID-19. This was also much needed because the region has lately not been high enough on our agenda: we must reverse this trend.
15/10/2020 - Last week, together with Commissioner Janez Lenarčič, I travelled to hand-over anti-COVID-19 material to the African Union Centre for Disease Control; to discuss with our African Union counterparts how to strengthen the EU-AU partnership in a post-pandemic world; and to underscore our support for the on-going reforms in Ethiopia, at a difficult moment.
17/10/2020 - HR/VP blog - In times of crisis, we logically tend to focus on our own difficulties. Coming back from Africa, I would like to emphasise how much COVID-19 is reshaping the entire world economy. Let’s have a look around the globe to assess how the pandemic is changing the balance of wealth and power.
08/10/2020 - This Wednesday, we discussed in the European Parliament the dramatic situation in Venezuela. The country suffers from a deep political crisis with enormous humanitarian consequences. In recent weeks we have been trying to help create the minimum conditions for free and fair legislative elections. So far, the Maduro government has refused to postpone them. However, I will continue to work for a democratic solution which is the only way out.
06/10/2020 - We need to strengthen our ties with Africa, a young and dynamic continent. First and foremost, in order to get to grips with the current crisis, and that will be the purpose of my visit to Ethiopia this week. But also in a more structural way to jointly foster economic development which is green, digital and fair on our two continents.
02/10/2020 - The EU sometimes struggles to take decisions on foreign policy due to divisions among member states. And yet many want the EU to play a stronger, geo-political role in a dangerous world. We need an honest debate without taboos on how best to achieve this, including on how we take decisions.
29/09/2020 - Last week, I took part with my colleague Vice-President Dubravka Šuica in an event organised jointly with UNICEF. The aim was to send an SOS to policy-makers around the world, asking them to give highest priority to schools in their plans to reopen their economies. A decisive issue for our common future.
22/09/2020 - On Tuesday, I was in Ukraine for my first visit as High Representative. The frontline in eastern Ukraine has been calm for almost two months now, the longest period since the war started. Since 2014, the EU has been the strongest partner of Ukraine. Our support will continue but is also linked to the urgent need to enhance the rule of law and develop the fight against corruption.
22/09/2020 - For weeks, people in Belarus have taken to the streets to protest the fraudulent Presidential elections and the wave of repression that followed. Last Sunday, once again the massive demonstrations were asking for the departure of Lukashenko. During our EU Foreign Ministers meeting we underlined our full support: the future of Belarus must be decided by the people of Belarus and them alone.
20/09/2020 - On September 12, I had a videoconference with my fellow foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The European Union shares many common views with this organisation. And in particular the will not to align with China or the US in the growing strategic rivalry between them. We must and will strengthen our ties.
09/09/2020 - These days, there is much talk about "Global Europe": how to make the Union a truly global player in a world marked by the strategic rivalry between the US and China, the questioning of multilateralism plus health and environmental crises. You will find here a synthesis of my views, as discussed recently with my fellow Commissioners.
04/09/2020 - On Tuesday, I visited Libya, meeting the authorities of the war-torn country. Shortly after the ceasefire understanding announced on 21 August, the aim of the visit was to explore further support the EU can provide to implement this ceasefire and help resolve the Libyan conflict. There is a glimmer of hope that we need to build on.
26/08/2020 - Foreign policy never stops. But the summer of 2020 has been exceptionally busy, with a seemingly never-ending series of crises: in Lebanon, Belarus, Mali and the Eastern Mediterranean. At the informal Gymnich meeting in Berlin (27-28 August) we must forge a common way forward. It is both urgent and feasible to strengthen Europe’s international clout.
21/08/2020 - Last Monday I opened the Summer University of the Universidad Internacional Menéndez Pelayo in Santander (Spain). We mostly discussed the consequences of the current crisis for Europe and the world. At this stage, the risk seems serious that it destabilises many developing countries and strengthens a trend towards authoritarian regimes. In this context, Europe has a key responsibility to defend effective multilateralism and help developing countries in need.
13/08/2020 - The situation in Belarus has become a matter of grave concern. After last Sunday's Presidential elections, Alexander Lukashenko and the Belarussian authorities must stop the repression against the Belarus people and open negotiations with the wider society. Over the last months, the Belarusians have clearly shown that they long for democracy and respect for human rights. A substantial political change is a precondition for further development of the relations between the EU and Belarus.
10/08/2020 - The devastating explosions that hit Beirut last week killed and injured numerous people and have destroyed major parts of the city and the livelihood of many of its inhabitants. The international community, and in the first place the European Union and its Member States, has reacted quickly to mitigate the immense damage and suffering caused. However, as it is often the case when such disasters happen, the most important and difficult steps lie ahead: what thousands of Lebanese citizens are asking for is to tackle deeper-rooted problems. As a long-time friend of Lebanon, the EU will stand by their sides in their efforts to build a more prosperous and democratic Lebanon. We owe it to the victims of August 4th.
31/07/2020 - Every day we see deepening tensions between the US and China with clashes over a variety of issues. Positions are hardening with advocates of decoupling in the ascendancy in both Washington and Beijing. This US-China strategic rivalry will probably be the dominant organising principle for global politics, regardless who wins the next presidential US elections. In that context, we need to hold our nerve and frame our own EU approach. I would like to reflect here about a few principles that should guide us
30/07/2020 - The Internet plays a vital role in our lives, which is why we need to protect ourselves against cyber-attacks. Today, the EU imposed its first-ever cyber sanctions, to defend its citizens and companies from cyber threats.
23/07/2020 - After tough negotiations, EU leaders agreed an ambitiously funded recovery package. With this deal, the EU demonstrates its internal resilience and solidarity. This is vital for European citizens but it also provides the basis for Europe to engage the wider world. Our internal unity determines our external strength.
19/07/2020 - Water is life. We can survive several days without eating but not without drinking. Water is also the basic ingredient, essential to the production of all kind of food, whether vegetable or animal. This is why the issue of access to fresh water has always been central for humans, and has therefore always been a source of many conflicts. Inherently linked to climate change, economic development and population growth, however, these conflicts are today taking on an increasingly worrying dimension: access to water is becoming one of the main geopolitical issues of our century.
17/07/2020 - Yesterday, I had the pleasure to host – together with my new EU Special Representative Miroslav Lajcak – President Vucic of Serbia and Prime Minister Hoti of Kosovo for the first physical meeting after twenty months in of the EU-facilitated Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue.
16/07/2020 - On Wednesday, I participated, together with Presidents Charles Michel and Ursula von der Leyen, in the 15th EU-India Summit with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi via VTC. The Summit was originally supposed to take place in person, in Brussels, back in March. Now, 4 months on, the context in which we held the Summit has vastly changed: the covid-19 pandemic has affected us all. We live in a world increasingly dominated by the strategic rivalry between China and the United States where multilateralism is under siege. We have often stressed that, in this context, Europe must go its own way and be at the forefront of those who want not only to save multilateralism but to strengthen it.
10/07/2020 - I was glad to participate on 9 July in a panel of renowned international affairs pundits from all continents, organised by our EU ISS and Carnegie, to discuss how we can navigate the pandemic world together.
08/07/2020 - On July 7, the Foreign ministers of Germany, France, Egypt and Jordan held an important discussion on the risks linked to the unilateral annexation of parts of the West Bank. Unfortunately I could not attend as I was travelling in order to deal with other equally important issues. The EU was represented by the Secretary General of the EEAS and the EU Special Representative for the Middle East.
05/07/2020 - “Demography is destiny” said the sociologist Auguste Comte: the basic idea is that population trends and distributions determine the future of a country or region. Recently, my colleague Dubravka Suica, Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for demography and democracy, provided us with an analysis of the foreseeable consequences of the demographic changes underway in Europe and globally. This work deserves our full attention, because this subject is both central to the Union's internal affairs and for its place in the world.
04/07/2020 - We need to build a common strategic culture in Europe. If we agree more on how we see the world and the challenges it contains, it will be easier to agree on what to do about them. Given our different histories, this will take time. It requires many discussions among all involved in the shaping of Europe’s foreign policy, both in Brussels and capitals. We need to understand where each of us is coming from; what worries people and why; but also what we have in common.
02/07/2020 - In the almost ten years since civil war began in Syria, I have followed closely its appalling developments and the horrors that the Syrian people have gone through. I come from a country that went through a civil war and perfectly know how it divides and destroys a society.
27/06/2020 - Making sure that a democratic transition succeeds is never easy, even at the best of times. Last year, Sudan embarked on a journey towards democracy, with the country’s youth and women paving the way. They wanted a better future for their country, after many years of dictatorship, abuses, mismanagement and corruption.
26/06/2020 - On 23 June I had the opportunity to speak before the Parliamentary Committee for the Economic and Social Reconstruction of Spain after the COVID-19 pandemic, in the Congress of Deputies. It was a great honour to appear in Spain’s parliament for the first time since my appointment as High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
25/06/2020 - In Europe, discussions are under way on an ambitious recovery plan to deal with the consequences of the major economic crisis caused by the coronavirus epidemic. Following the joint proposal by Emmanuel Macron and Angela Merkel, the EUR 750 billion of additional expenditure proposed by the Commission should be financed through the issuing of debt instruments on the financial markets.
21/06/2020 - Rising international tensions and conflicts at the doorstep of Europe urge us to take our collective security into our own hands. Lately, four major Member States advocated making security and defence a top priority for the Union. I fully agree: since the beginning of the mandate of this Commission, we have placed our Common Security and Defence Policy at the very heart of the EU’s external policy. And while we have a long way to go, there is now an increased momentum to strengthen our collective capacity for action.
18/06/2020 - Tomorrow, European leaders will discuss the proposal for a new EU budget, also known in our jargon as the “multiannual financial framework (MFF)” for the years 2021-2027. Adding the 750 billion euros of the Next Generation EU instrument makes a considerable change from the initial draft budget presented by the Commission back in 2019.
14/06/2020 - The coronavirus crisis is creating a more competitive global environment, with confrontation growing faster than cooperation. As EU, we face rougher seas and risk getting caught in the cross-currents of major powers telling us to “pick a side”.
12/06/2020 - The EU has a strategic interest in having stable and successful neighbours: we can only be secure and thrive if our neighbours do. With the current coronavirus crisis, it is now more relevant than ever to be able to support our partners to build more resilient and democratic societies.
10/06/2020 - Last Monday, Dr. Tedros, Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), participated at our videoconference with EU Development Ministers. He took the opportunity to discuss the Covid-19 epidemic and the role played by the WHO. He also assessed the current state of this pandemic. And it was quite alarming: although Covid-19 seems to be under control in Europe thanks to the large-scale measures taken by the Member States and the Union, this is not yet the case in the rest of the world.
29/05/2020 - If there is one thing that 27 EU member states agree on it is that we all believe in rules-based multilateralism. We repeat, almost mantra like, that we want a strong UN as the beating heart of the multilateral system. The Security Council is the world’s highest multilateral authority and it has the last word on matters of peace and security. I was very pleased to address the Security Council on the EU-UN cooperation (see here) and to express the EU’s strong support for the UN’s work, with concrete contributions in many areas and especially on peace and security.
27/05/2020 - In 2019, I visited as Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs the Simon Bolivar bridge, a 300 metres long bridge spanning Venezuela and Colombia. The bridge is named after the Venezuelan statesman and it was until the Venezuelan economic crisis a popular crossing point for citizens to shop across the border. Today, the bridge is a point where many Venezuelan refugees start the journey to look for a better future. At the time, I could witness the dire situations that many Venezuelans migrants and refugees are escaping from and the risks and misery they face.
25/05/2020 - I was glad that my friend Heiko Maas asked me to speak at the opening of the annual German Ambassadors’ conference, together with Chancellor Merkel. It was an opportunity to stress how high expectations are for the upcoming German EU Presidency, to guide Europe through the crisis and make sure we come out of it stronger.
17/05/2020 - Today is the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT). On this occasion, I want to focus this blog post on people who still suffer discrimination and violence because of their identity and because they cannot freely live and love according to their choice. More specifically, I want to pay tribute to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI+) community and to all the LGBTI+ activists who defend the right to be oneself.
14/05/2020 - The coronavirus pandemic will very likely deteriorate our security environment in the years to come, increasing the need for a stronger European Union security and defence policy, and for a stronger Union in the world.
08/05/2020 - On 9 May, we mark Europe Day. The 70th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration offers a chance to reflect on what European integration means and on the EU’s role in the world. I want to use this blog post to do this from a personal angle, to set out why Europe as an idea and political project is worth defending.
08/05/2020 - The world’s attention is legitimately focused on the global response to the coronavirus crisis. Despite its historic scale and intensity, COVID 19 does not rid us of the many other regional and global challenges we face. Quite the contrary: since it weakens the stability and development efforts of some countries, COVID-19 is an aggravating factor. We must therefore not only maintain our engagement with our partners but strengthen it.
03/05/2020 - This year, we mark World Press Freedom Day in the midst of a global pandemic. This gives us a special reason to pay tribute to all the journalists and media workers who bring us the news and analyse the world we are in.
24/04/2020 - A health crisis at the outset, the coronavirus pandemic soon turned into an unprecedented economic and social crisis. In an article published with several European think tanks, I sketch how COVID-19 could magnify three global developments.
19/04/2020 - It is now more than a month that the corona virus has Europe in its grip. While every day we work flat out to address the crisis in all its aspects, it is good to step back and reflect on what living with COVID19 means, for our daily lives, for Europe, for the wider world and how it will affect our society.
11/04/2020 - The coronavirus has not only Europe but the entire global community in its grip and is the world’s common enemy. An enemy we can only defeat with a global approach and cross-border coordination. And while we have to mobilise all our resources to fight the virus at home, now is also the time to look beyond our borders, most specifically at our sister continent Africa and the Southern Neighbourhood, as well as at the Western Balkans, the Middle East, and parts of Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. Because solidarity cannot be an empty word and also because for as long as the virus will not be eradicated everywhere, it will remain a threat to all of us.
07/04/2020 - Tackling the global pandemic requires an unprecedented mobilisation at all levels. On the external side, the EU is working hard to help bring back home stranded Europeans. It is also fully mobilised to help forge a global, multilateral response strategy and assisting those in fragile and conflict-affected countries.
01/04/2020 - Even in these difficult times with the Coronavirus outbreak, the EU is taking important decisions to bolster its engagement in the world. EU Member States have decided yesterday to launch a new CSDP crisis management operation in the Mediterranean Sea, called EUNAVFOR MED IRINI.
In addition to the written blog posts, the HR/VP’s personal Blog will as of now feature regularly vlogs on pertinent EU foreign policy issues presenting his view. Stay tuned!
29/10/2020 - HR/VP video blog - We need to strengthen our partnership because our political, economic and security future is at stake when it comes to our relations with Africa, a young and dynamic continent. The EU is still Africa’s first partner in many areas, but we are facing more and more competition.
27/11/2020 - Several Outlets - Today we bring together the 42 Member States of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) at its fifth Regional Forum of Foreign Ministers, which is a special one as it happens 25 years after the launch of the Barcelona Process.
25/11/2020 - Several outlets - Op-Ed by Josep Borrell and Jutta Urpilainen - In early 2020, Awa had just turned 15 years old when she heard that her marriage was being arranged. Escaping it seemed difficult, but Awa found the courage to defy her father’s decision. Her small village in Mali had a committee for the prevention of early marriage, and she took her case to them. This body of respected people presented Awa’s father with all the arguments against early marriage, and managed to convince him. It is to help the cause of young girls like Awa that the European Union supports this committee and many other projects in this area around the world.
20/11/2020 - Several Outlets - 25 years ago, the Dayton Peace Agreement ended the bloodiest war in Europe after the Second World War. A devastating conflict that led to genocide, more than 100,000 deaths, and over a million refugees. The memories of this war, at the heart of our continent, will remain with us forever.
17/11/2020 - Several outlets - There is never any justification for callous killings such as those that have taken place recently in France and Austria. This time it was in Europe; on many other occasions citizens in other parts of the world were the ones targeted. All leaders across continents and regions need to continue joining forces to counter hate speech and combat terror.
13/11/2020 - Project Syndicate/Various outlets - It is now more clear than ever that Europe must take its security, broadly understood, into its own hands. Doing so will not only secure the European Union's proper place on the world stage, but will also ensure a healthy transatlantic partnership in the years ahead.
26/10/2020 - ECDPM - In a guest contribution to the Great Insights Magazine, HRVP Josep Borrell sets out how and why the EU and Africa should strengthen their partnership and make it fit for purpose for the post-pandemic world.
22/09/2020 – Project Syndicate/Various outlets – In any normal year, I would be in New York City now for the annual opening of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The event represents the greatest concentration of global policymakers in one place and is the high point on the diplomatic calendar. But this year is far from normal, and “UNGA week” is going virtual with events held online – a familiar format for us all in recent months.
21/09/2020 - Terranova - Nous sommes très heureux d'accueillir aujourd'hui Josep Borrell, Haut représentant de l’Union Européenne pour les affaires étrangères et la politique de sécurité et Vice-Président de la Commission européenne, pour rouvrir la série de contributions extérieures "Coronavirus : regards sur une crise" de Terra Nova lancée en mars. Il s'interroge ici sur les conséquences de la crise actuelle pour la position de l'Europe dans le monde.
18/09/2020 - Several outlets - On 12 September I had the pleasure to discuss with my ASEAN counterparts how we can strengthen cooperation between the EU and ASEAN. In a world hit by the pandemic and characterised by power politics, we have a lot in common. Our joint work should ensure that we defend the rules-based international system and ensure every human being can enjoy the security and rights we sometimes take for granted.
30/08/2020 - Le Journal du Dimanche - This summer has not been a restful one. From the explosion in the port of Beirut to the seizure of power by the army in Mali, the war in Libya, the tensions caused by Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean, the presidential elections in Belarus, and the alleged poisoning of a Russian opposition leader, our neighbourhood has been constantly on the brink of conflagration. But what is the relationship between these events? At first glance, there is none. On closer inspection, however, they all bear witness to the emergence of powers intent on reviving memories of great empires of the past.
27/08/2020 - Several Outlets - To avoid becoming entrenched between the US and China, the EU should deal with them in its own way: it should look at the world from its own point of view, defending its values and interests, and using the instruments of power available to it.
04/08/2020 - Several outlets - History does not always repeat itself but for Europe it does usually rhyme.
14/07/2020 - Several Outlets - Five years after the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action was concluded, it is on life support, following the US's reinstatement of sanctions and Iran's return to enrichment activities. Before two decades of diplomacy are squandered, all parties involved must step back from the precipice.
13/07/2020 - Several outlets - Latin America, the Caribbean and the European Union (EU) have strong relations and share a common history, universal values and political interests. Yet there is more than that underpinning our relationship.
11/07/2020 - Several outlets - In Srebrenica, 25 years ago, the darkest page of Europe’s modern history was written. In the early 1990’s, European integration was making progress and former communist states were looking towards the West and to Brussels for building peaceful and prosperous democracies on our continent.
30/06/2020 - Several Outlets - For many of us in Europe, the relationship with Israel and Palestine is quite personal. For me, for instance, it is a longstanding one.
29/06/2020 - Several Outlets - The conflict in Syria has entered its 10th year. Ten years of war, suffering and grief. And it’s still not over. Syrians continue to live in fear and despair, their future held hostage.
24/06/2020 - Several Outlets - Last year, the world watched in admiration as hundreds of thousands of Sudanese women and men took to the streets to peacefully demand change in one of the world’s most brutal dictatorships.
08/06/2020 - Several Outlets - HR/VP Josep Borrell and the Commissioner for the Internal Market Thierry Breton publish an article in several European media on the EU’s reaction to the Coronavirus crisis and the lessons learned “For a united, resilient and sovereign Europe”.
01/06/2020 - Several Outlets - En un artículo de opinión, publicado por varios periódicos españoles, Josep Borrell reflexiona sobre la propuesta de la Comisión Europea de un importante plan de recuperación para hacer frente a las consecuencias de la crisis del coronavirus.
24/06/2020 - Several Outlets - The coronavirus has taken over our private and collective lives. For more than two months, people, cities and countries around the whole world have been on lockdown, attentive to the numbers of infections, recoveries and deaths.
14/05/2020 - Several Outlets - In a guest contribution in several newspapers, Josep Borrell argues that in recent years, China has gained global influence and the EU's relations with China are undergoing change. "The EU's relations with China are diverse and our approach must not be reduced to one perspective", and the focus of the EU-China relationship should be on "trust, transparency, and reciprocity".
29/04/2020 - Several Outlets - After so many years of conflict and so many lives lost, there is a chance for a new beginning.
23/04/2020 - RTVE - El Alto Representante de la Unión Europea para Asuntos Exteriores, Josep Borrell, cree que la Unión Europea debe a ayudar a los países más afectados por el coronavirus con transferencias a fondo perdido y no con créditos como ha hecho hasta ahora.
24/04/2020 - RFI - Josep Borrell, haut représentant de l’Union européenne pour les affaires étrangères et la politique de sécurité, vice-président de la Commission européenne, souhaite une réponse globale à la crise économique que traverse l'UE.
22/04/2020 - Several Outlets - Hace pocos años, la Unión Europea situó el concepto de “resiliencia” en el centro de su Estrategia Global y de Seguridad. En un mundo más complejo, disputado e interconectado, se asumía que la seguridad y el bienestar enfrentaba nuevos desafíos geopolíticos y los riesgos transnacionales de la globalización.
22/04/2020 - Bruxelles2 - Alors que le processus de Berlin est en danger d’enlisement dans les sables, le haut représentant de l’UE, Josep Borrell, lance un appel pour mettre en place un cessez-le-feu sur le terrain, engager des discussions politiques, et surtout convaincre de la nécessité de soutenir et mettre en place l’opération Irini qui n’a toujours pas les moyens nécessaires pour commencer ses opérations maritimes de contrôle de l’embargo sur les armes.
13/04/2020 - Antena 3 - Josep Borrell, alto representante de la UE en política Exterior, asegura que la conflictividad y los reproches hacia el Gobierno son más fuertes en España que en cualquier otro país de Europa y añade que de esta crisis solo se podrá salir con una gran coordinación mundial.
03/04/2020 - Le Monde - Le Haut représentant pour la politique étrangère et de sécurité de l’Union européenne souligne dans une tribune au « Monde » les trois défis du Covid-19, sanitaire, économique, géopolitique au projet européen
30/03/2020 - Several Outlets - The contrast between the silence of Europe’s streets and squares and the tumultuous, painful reality in many of its hospitals is heartbreaking. COVID-19 has not only Europe but the entire global community in its grip. It is already clear that the pandemic will reshape our world. But precisely how will depend on the choices that we make today.
24/03/2020 - Several Outlets - To ensure our partnership continues to deliver in the fast changing world of today, we need to do even more and better. To shape our priorities, we consulted last year with people, businesses, organisations and governments of 33 countries from across our shared region.
08/03/2020 - Several Outlets - Europe looks increasingly at Africa – but with new eyes. There is ambition to lift our partnership to another level. We want to engage Africa’s youth are determined to build their own future, ideally in partnership with others.
28/02/2020 - Le Monde - Tout le monde parle de la Chine en Afrique, mais la présence européenne y est beaucoup plus importanteLe haut représentant de l’UE Josep Borrell détaille la stratégie de la nouvelle Commission européenne pour le continent, considéré comme une priorité
22/02/2020 - Al Jazeera - The European Union's high representative for foreign affairs and security policy on building a common foreign policy.
11/02/2020 - Die Welt - Der EU-Außenbeauftragte Josep Borrell fordert, dass eine europäische Marinemission das Waffenembargo für Libyen im Mittelmeer überwacht. Die Bedenken, dass deswegen mehr Migranten die Überfahrt wagen, teilt er nicht. Er sieht Bedrohungen für Europa aus anderen Gründen.
11/02/2020 - Washington Post - The past three years have placed heavy strains on the transatlantic relationship. President Trump has cheered the European Union’s dismemberment, called into question American participation in the West’s most important military alliance and used the threat of punitive tariffs to bend traditional allies to his will.
10/02/2020 - Project Syndicate - Europeans must deal with the world as it is, not as they wish it to be. And that means relearning the language of power and combining the European Union's resources in a way that maximizes their geopolitical impact.
03/02/2020 - Several Outlets - On 31 January 2020, the United Kingdom left the European Union. We lost a member of our family. It was a sad moment for us, for European citizens – and, indeed, for many British citizens.
24/01/2020 - Several Outlets - On 28 January 2020, friends from Central Asia, Afghanistan and the European Union will gather in Berlin for a conference organised by the German Foreign Ministry, entitled “Green Central Asia”. I was glad to accept the invitation and join Foreign Ministers from the region, for two main reasons:
16/12/2019 - The Hindu - At meetings like ASEM, we create the conditions to enhance the connections we have between our societies and our citizens.
16/12/2019 - El Pais - En reuniones como ASEM creamos el ambiente y las condiciones para mejorar las conexiones que tenemos entre nuestras sociedades y nuestros ciudadanos
26/11/2020 - La UE vive pendiente del bloqueo de Hungría y Polonia a los fondos de recuperación y de la negociación in extremis del Brexit. "Llevo 40 años trabajando en los temas europeos y los acuerdos siempre llegan en el último minuto, cuando se está al borde del precipicio. Luego, milagrosamente, aparece el acuerdo", dice el jefe de la diplomacia europea.
23/11/2020 - The European Union cannot afford for BiH to become a failed state, and it is in the EU’s interest to help BiH, said Josep Borrell, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs in his exclusive interview to the Nezavisne novine and portal Politicki.ba, on his visit to Sarajevo.
17/11/2020 - Senior European Union officials warned this week that the election of Joe Biden will not bring an immediate return to the trusting partnership between Europe and the U.S. that existed prior to 2016.
16/11/2020 – In an interview with Today’s WorldView of the Washington Post, HR/VP Borrell discusses key policy issues and global developments on the transatlantic agenda.
11/11/2020 – In an interview with several newspapers of the Leading European Newspaper Alliance (LENA) HR/VP Borrell reflects on the election of Joe Biden as American President and what it means for Europe, its strategic autonomy and the future of transatlantic relations.
09/11/2020 - El alto representante de la Unión Europea para Asuntos Exteriores y Política de Seguridad asegura que "el Partido Demócrata también tiene un ramalazo proteccionista nada despreciable"
08/11/2020 - Pulsamos las reacciones de Europa al futuro cambio en la Casa Blanca. En el informativo 14 horas Fin de Semana hablamos con Josep Borrell, alto representante de la UE para Asuntos Exteriores y Política de Seguridad.
L'alt representant de la Unió Europea, Josep Borrell, s'ha mostrat preocupat per les acusacions de frau a les eleccions als Estats Units. Borrell ha dit que del seu resultat en depèn que els Estats Units ajudin a la Unió Europea a construir un ordre multilateral. L'alt representant de la UE ha demanat que els Estats Units puguin tornar a l'acord de París sobre canvi climàtic o a l'acord nuclear amb Iran. Josep Borrell considera que les relacions entre la UE i els EEUU es ressentiran després dels 4 anys de Donald Trump, i que la UE haurà de "desenvolupar estratègies pròpies".
4/11/2020 - Responsable de política exterior de la Unión Europea, Josep Borrell, analiza en Más de uno los resultados de las elecciones en Estados Unidos.
04/11/2020 - Josep Borrell, alto representante de la UE para Asuntos Exteriores, ha valorado los primeros resultados que nos llegan de las elecciones americanas. Borrell se ha mostrado muy prudente. Te lo contamos en La Hora de La 1.
29/10/2020 - Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission of the European Union – the EU’s foreign affairs chief and effectively the ‘Minister of Foreign Affairs of the EU’ – completes in these days his first year in office. He granted this interview to Professor J.H.H Weiler, Co-Editor-in-Chief of the European Journal of International Law (EJIL) and the International Journal of Constitutional Law (ICON).
15/10/2020 - Pour le haut représentant de l’Union européenne, Donald Trump a placé le Vieux Continent face à son « somnambulisme stratégique ». (behind paywall)
08/10/2020 - Las cristaleras de la planta 12 del Berlaymont, zona noble de la sede central de la Comisión Europea en Bruselas, dejan pasar los primeros rayos después de días de lluvias y vientos. Josep Borrell, el Alto Representante para la Política Exterior de la Unión Europea, concede entrevistas horas después de un bronco debate en el Parlamento Europeo.
07/10/2020 - Tras un bronco debate en el hemiciclo europeo este miércoles, Borrell subraya en una entrevista con EL PAÍS, celebrada en su despacho de la Comisión, su intención de seguir buscando, por todas las vías posibles, “un acuerdo político entre venezolanos”.
04/10/2020 - Si queremos existir «tenemos que apostar por ser más Europa», sostiene
03/10/2020 - Borrell pediulles máis unidade ás forzas políticas españolas. Nos micrófonos da TVG tamén falou de Europa. Apelou a construír unha Europa máis solidaria.
21/09/2020 - Ahead of his visit to Kyiv on 22 September, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, gave an interview to Novoe Vremya.
13/09/2020 – HR/VP Josep Borrell on why “Europe has to chart its own way", and on tensions in EU neighbourhood, relations with China, US and Russia, and EU foreign policymaking (behind paywall).
06/09/2020 - Il responsabile della politica estera Ue: Mosca e Ankara hanno nostalgia degli imperi e vogliono cambiare l’ordine mondiale. “Dinanzi a certi comportamenti dobbiamo ricorrere alla nostra cassetta degli attrezzi, cioè rapporti commerciali e sanzioni” (Behind Paywall)
05/09/2020 - Vodja evropske diplomacije Josep Borrell o trenjih med ZDA in Kitajsko, globalnem pozicioniranju EU ter napetostih v soseščini. (Behind Paywall)
22/08/2020 - HR/VP Josep Borrell on the situation in Belarus, EU-Russia relations, the EU recovery fund, European strategic autonomy and other foreign affairs issues.
20/07/2020 - HR/VP Josep Borrell on various EU foreign policy issues, geopolitical challenges, the German EU Presidency and the unanimity principle in EU foreign policy.
14/07/2020 - The European Union will seek to diversify its supply chains to cut reliance on other nations for crucial assets such as medicines, even as it works to strengthen trade ties with India, the bloc’s top diplomat said.
13/07/2020 - The 15th edition of the India-EU Summit takes place on July 15 in the backdrop of the disengagement of troops along the Line of Actual Control with China. Ahead of the summit, Josep Borrell told ET that the EU was not naïve about China and will stand firm on values as it strengthens ties with.
29/06/2020 - HR/VP Josep Borrell hoped that Tuesday’s donor conference on Syria will match last year’s pledge of 6 billion euros. In an extensive interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, he said the Europeans have provided some 20 billion euros to Syria since the eruption of its crisis in 2011.
19/06/2020 - Josep Borrell says the U.S. stance means Europe is more determined than ever to forge its own path in confronting global challenges. (behind paywall)
05/06/2020 - Josep Borrell ha comentat les últimes mesures de la Unió i del Banc Central Europeu: "Fa no massa dies semblava difícil imaginar un programa de rellançament econòmic d'aquesta dimensió. Són molts milers de milions però ho hem de comprar amb el PIB europeu. [...]"
04/06/2020 - El líder de la diplomacia de la Unión Europea afirma que es fundamental la cooperación internacional para superar las consecuencias de la pandemia de cornavirus. "No podemos desmantelar el orden multilateral", afirma.
30/05/2020 - Josep Borrell discusses EU-China relations and other current EU foreign policy issues and global developments
02/06/2020 - Für Josep Borrell wirft das Sicherheitsgesetz für Hongkong die Frage auf, ob Peking seine internationalen Verpflichtungen einhalten werde. Dass China Europa unbedingt als Markt brauche, müsse man nutzen.
28/05/2020 - El Alto Representante de la Unión Europea para Asuntos Exteriores y Política de Seguridad ha sido entrevistado en 'Hora 25' con Pepa Bueno.
26/05/2020 - Entrevista con el canciller de la UE, Josep Borrell. Habla de la crisis por el virus y de Venezuela.
20/05/2020 - El alto representante de la UE para la Política Exterior considera que la organización de la solidaridad en la unión “está dando un salto cualitativo”
20/05/2020 - There will be modified globalisation, a renewed push on climate change and a battle of narratives, says Josep Borrell
11/05/2020 - In an exclusive interview with Euronews, which covered a host of issues including the Covid-19 pandemic and the EU's relationship with China and the US, Borrell called for the construction of a new multilateral system.
06/05/2020 - High Representative Borrell on the EU-Western Balkans Summit, the challenges presented to the European Union by the coronavirus, and international affairs.
07/05/2020 - The coronavirus pandemic has effectively destroyed the global governance model and the EU should play a key role in rebuilding the international order, the bloc’s High Representative Vice-President Josep Borrell told reporters on Thursday (7 May).
06/05/2020 - Josep Borrell, haut représentant de l’Union européenne pour les affaires étrangères et la politique de sécurité, explique à Jeune Afrique la nouvelle stratégie de l’Europe à l’égard du continent.
05/05/2020 - High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell gave interviews with several media outlets ahead of the EU – Western Balkans Zagreb summit which took place via videoconference on 6 May.
30/04/2020 - This interview has been published in various countries and languages.
04/05/2020 - Josep Borrell, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, spoke to FRANCE 24 about the Covid-19 pandemic, which has particularly affected his home country of Spain.
04/05/2020 - En pleine surenchère entre la Chine et les Etats-Unis sur les responsabilités de l'origine du coronavirus, le chef de la diplomatie européenne Josep Borrell répond aux accusations de complaisance...
30/04/2020 - In an interview with RBC, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell responded to criticism of the European approach to the fight against coronavirus and assessed the possibility of restoring relations with Russia.
30/04/2020 - В Евросоюзе всегда готовы посмотреть на отношения с Россией новым взглядом, но только если для этого будут созданы объективные условия, о которых ЕС не раз говорил и о которых Россия также осведомлена. Когда это произойдет, мы будем готовы позитивно взаимодействовать с Россией, не забывая о важных вопросах, которые необходимо разрешить. Ведь эти вопросы крайне значимы для ЕС.
26/04/2020 - Josep Borrell considera muy positivo el último Consejo Europeo porque trasladó el debate de cómo financiar la solidaridad europea a cómo distribuirla.
21/04/2020 - El vicepresidente de la Comisión Europea y alto representante para la Política Exterior de la UE, Josep Borrell, explica en Más de uno que los países tendrán que endeudarse para salir de la crisis económica tras el coronavirus, aunque no podrá ser a nivel individual, sino europeo.
16/04/2020 - Only if the European Union is there for the people will it have a future: A discussion with Foreign Affairs Commissioner Josep Borrell on burning EU flags, competition with China and Europe's weight in the world
16/04/2020 - Nur wenn die Europäische Union für die Menschen da ist, hat sie eine Zukunft: Ein Gespräch mit dem Außenbeauftragten Josep Borrell über brennende EU-Fahnen, die Konkurrenz mit China und Europas Gewicht in der Welt (Bitte beachten Sie, dass Sie abonniert sein müssen, um diesen Artikel zu lesen) (behind paywall)
09/04/2020 - Josep Borrell: "La paraula rescat és improcedent. Es tracta de saber com ens endeutem i com anem al mercat de fons per estats"
08/04/2020 - L’Alto rappresentante per la politica estera dell’Unione sostiene il Fondo per la ripresa proposto dalla Francia e appoggiato dai mediterranei (behind paywall)
07/04/2020 - Confinado en Bruselas, el Alto Representante de la UE para Asuntos Exteriores concede la entrevista a este diario vía telemática
04/03/2020 - Visoki predstavnik Europske komisije za vanjsku i sigurnosnu politiku, ujedno i potpredsjednik Komisije, u Zagrebu je na sastancima ministara obrane i vanjskih poslova. I razgovarao je za Jutarnji list i Euractiv.hr
04/03/2020 - High representative and EC Vice president Josep Borrell is in Zagreb. On Thursday here are ministers of defence, on Friday ministers of foreign affairs. Borrell made an email interview with Euractiv.hr.
21/01/2020 - India and the EU are both highly exposed to the terrorist threat. We have already brought together counter-terrorism experts from Europe and India to exchange experiences and best practices. As a result, an enhanced working relationship between our police officers is taking shape.
17/01/2020 - Der neue EU-Chefdiplomat Josep Borrell zum Einsatz europäischer Soldaten in Libyen und im Irak und zur Zukunft des Atomabkommens. Insgesamt müsse Europa endlich die "Sprache der Macht" lernen, auch gegenüber den USA. (behind paywall)
12/01/2020 - Entretien avec le chef de la diplomatie européenne, Josep Borrell, à la veille d’un sommet, à Pau, entre Emmanuel Macron et les chefs d’État de la région. (behind paywall)
01/12/2019 - Naravno da ćemo nastaviti slati novac migrantima u Tursku. Migranti, a ne država, dobivaju novac na kreditnu karticu za kupnju hrane, plaćanje smještaja, školovanja, kazao je Borrell
01/12/2019 - Der neue Außenbeauftragte Josep Borrell will über Kampfeinsätze der EU weiterhin einstimmig entscheiden. Fürs Erste.
01/12/2019 - Quién es quién en la nueva Comisión de Ursula von der Leyen
25/11/2020 – Brussels – European Commission. At the launch of the Gender Action Plan III, HR/VP Josep Borrell underlines the EU’s commitment to put gender equality, including the empowerment of women and girls at the heart of its external policies. He sets out the concrete actions that the EU is taking to build a gender-equal world.
21/11/2020 – Sarajevo – EU Delegation. On the 25th anniversary of the Dayton Agreement, HR/VP Josep Borrell reiterates the EU’s strategic commitment to the European perspective of Bosnia-Herzegovina and the rest of the Western Balkans. However, to achieve EU accession takes commitment. He call on the country’s political leadership to take its share of responsibility and implement much-needed political reforms and reconciliation, for the benefit of citizens.
09/11/2020 – Brussels – EEAS. HR/VP Josep Borrell underlines the importance of strong EU international engagement at a time of crisis. He calls on EU Ambassadors to be outward facing, results oriented and pro-active to make sure the EU handles the on-going battle of narratives.
14/10/2020, Africa Week, S&D Group, Brussels.
HR/VP Josep Borrell sets out the need for the EU to invest in its partnership with Africa, helping the continent to fight pandemic and its consequences. He stresses how Africa is changing and how the EU and the African Union can be strong partners for multilateralism.
18/09/2020 - FEPS, Brussels and on-line.
HR/VP Josep Borrell analyses the causes behind the current crisis in multilateralism. And he sets out the European agenda for a new, revived multilateral system fit for the 21st century.
14/09/2020 - EU Cyber Forum, Brussels.
HR/VP Josep Borrell underlines that cyber issues are geo-political in nature and have a strong security dimension. The EU wants everyone to reap the benefits that the Internet and the use of technologies provide. At the same time we need effective answers to fast-changing cyber threats. Achieving both objectives lies at the heart of the EU’s approach to cybersecurity.
9/07/2020 – Carnegie Europe/EU Institute for Security Studies, Brussels
HR/VP Josep Borrell analyses the ways in which COVID-19 is changing the international landscape and how the EU is addressing the challenges it created in terms of health, economy and security. The EU should present itself as a partner of choice, defending its model of society of democracy and solidarity.
28/05/2020 – United Nations, New York
HR/VP Josep Borrell sets out the EU’s strong support for effective multilateralism and the work of the United Nations. He gives detailed examples of how the EU is working to promote peace and security in many crises that are on the agenda of the UN Security Council.
25/05/2020 – German Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Berlin
HR/VP Josep Borrell describes the contours of the new world that the coronavirus pandemic is creating. He makes a plea for bold action and greater EU cooperation. He underlines the essential role that Germany plus, notably also as incoming Presidency of the Council of the EU.
08/05/2020 – United Nations, New York
In a special commemorative session of the UN Security Council HR/VP Josep Borrell looks back on the progress that Europe has made in 75 years of freedom, human rights and the rule of law. He stresses that constant efforts are needed to protect these values in a world of evolving threats.
1/03/2020 – University of Khartoum
In a speech to the students of Khartoum University, HR/VP Josep Borrell emphasises the EU’s desire to upgrade its relationship with Africa. He also stresses the EU’s strong support for the wishes of many young people in Sudan for democratic change.
28/01/2020 – German Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Berlin
HR/VP Josep Borrell describes the importance of Central Asia to the EU and in particular how EU support can help the region better address the consequences of climate change.
21/01/2020 – Palais d’Egmont, Brussels
HR/VP Josep Borrell explains the strategic importance of space for overall European security and the growing role that the EU plays in the field of space technology.
16/01/2020, New Delhi
HR/VP Josep Borrell analyses the nature of the current security threats including in Asia and the role that the European Union is playing to address them.
13/11/2020 – HR/VP Josep Borrell closes the annual EU Ambassadors’ Meeting. In his presentation, built around 15 images, he sets out why the EU needs a strong foreign policy; what the substantive policy priorities are; and how to achieve these.
Watch the full version of the speech here: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-199301
10/11/2020 – HR/VP Borrell addresses the Western Balkans Summit in the framework of the Berlin Process stressing that the region’s future is in the EU and that regional cooperation is needed to overcome the legacy of the past and support green, peaceful, just and prosperous societies.
29/09/2020 - Opening remarks on the importance of media literacy, media freedom and fact-checkers with view to global spreading of COVID-19 disinformation and why these elements and youth empowerment are essential elements for democracy and the EU Western Balkan’s path.
21/09/2020 - Message by HR/VP Borrell on the 75th UN General Assembly, underlining that a global system based on international law, cooperation and partnership is the best guarantee for peace and safety for all – in times with demand for multilateralism so high and offer so scarce.
30/06/2020 - HR/VP Josep Borrell on the conflict and humanitarian crisis in Syria and EU support (on the occasion of the fourth Brussels Conference on “Supporting the future of Syria and the region”, co-chaired by the European Union and the United Nations, 22 to 30 June 2020).
26/06/2020 - On the anniversary of the UN Charter signature in San Francisco in 1945, HR/VP Borrell congratulates the UN, and the EU’s commitment to the UN system and multilateralism
09/05/2020 - HR/VP Josep Borrell on the occasion of Europe Day 2020 and the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, why Europe was the solution to past challenges and why it will be key in designing our future.
24/04/2020 - HR/VP Josep Borrell on the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace, and why the EU reaffirms its longstanding commitment to international cooperation and to the rules-based international order – above all in the light of tackling the Coronavirus pandemic.
28/03/2020 - HR/VP Josep Borrell on the European Council meeting and what the EU will do to overcome the coronavirus crisis - in solidarity and for the benefit and protection of EU citizens to limit the spread of the virus and to provide urgent assistance to those in need.
23/03/2020 - HR/VP Josep Borrell on the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic, focusing on the engagement of different key actors of our society and the EU’s response, including the efforts to coordinate the repatriation of thousands of European stranded abroad.
01/02/2020 - HR/VP Josep Borrell elaborates on the occasion of the entry into force of the withdrawal agreement why the United Kingdom will remain a key partner for the EU, and on the need to establish a close cooperation on common challenges at the regional and global level.
01/12/2019 - HR/VP Josep Borrell presents himself and his agenda at the occasion of taking office as the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission.
