Budapest, November 7th, 2024 - The fifth meeting of the European political community took place in the Hungarian capital. The meeting was attended by 42 heads of state and government, including 24 EU member states. Discussions at the summit focused on security issues, with references to the conflict in Ukraine and the current situation in the Middle East, as well as issues related to irregular migration, the economy and connectivity. The founder of the Climate Observer Partnership, Emin Huseynov, had the opportunity to attend the event and interview some of the heads of state and government present at the meeting.
Asked if she was planning to travel to Baku ahead of COP29, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola replied that she was not. Metsola went on to congratulate Donald Trump following his victory in the presidential election, saying that it was time to focus on Europe and a common approach to security, defence and migration. The leader went on to reiterate the importance of not taking future decisions on Ukraine in its absence and of remaining committed to the Ukrainian cause. Regarding the alleged tarrifs that will be imposed on Europe, following Trump's election, Metsola responded that a strong economic reaction is needed from the EU, but above all united, referring to measures to fight inflation.
Subsequently, when asked by Huseynov if he thought that Europe and Lithuania especially need to increase their military expenses, following the result of US election, Lithuanian president Gitanas Nausėda replied that Lithuania, among the Baltic countries, is the most committed to increase such expenses yearly. He also stated that the importance of these expenses goes beyond any international affair, it’s more a matter of internal security regardless. Emin Huseynov also asked if, following the US elections, Putin will be able to make interventions into Baltic states, to which Nausėda answered negatively, affirming that it is unlikely to happen due to the country’s membership to the NATO, adding that Trump contributed to make the organization stronger during his last mandate.
Gitanas Nausėda also added, when asked by Huseynov, that he will not attend COP29 in Azerbaijan, despite finding climate change related issues very important, due to coalition forming in Lithuania.
Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa later said that following the US election result, Europe is ready to act in a united manner on the security and strategic agenda, noting that the US is one of the EU's most important partners. Asked whether Ukraine will remain a priority on the European political agenda, Evika Siliņa said that it is and that therefore even closer cooperation among EU member states is needed on security and economic issues.
Asked about Europe's priorities after the US elections, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who also attended the meeting, said it was important to maintain good relations with the US and that the transatlantic alliance was the most important for Europeans at the moment. Frederiksen also reiterated the crucial importance of maintaining a strong Europe, especially in terms of defense and deterrence, with Ukraine "at the top" of the Union's priorities. Asked about the future stability of Germany, the Prime Minister said she hoped the country could find a solution, as a strong Germany is crucial to contribute to a strong Europe, adding that "elections are part of democracy".
The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, was also present and asked by Emin Huseynov about his possible presence at COP29 and what he would discuss with President Aliyev, the President of the European Council instead replied that it is crucial to be present at the meeting on climate change, due to terrible consequences. In Baku, the President of the European Council will meet the President of Azerbaijan with whom he will discuss EU-Azerbaijan relations in all areas.
Sources:
https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/international-summit/2024/11/07/
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