Minister Tuomioja in Brussels: Global change requires clear priorities in European foreign policy
Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja spoke about the future of the European Union’s foreign policy, the European External Action Service and diplomacy at the event “Policy Dialogue – Shaping the EU system of diplomacy: the European External Action Service and the future of foreign policy”, organised by the European Policy Centre (EPC) and the Finnish Institute of International Affairs (FIIA) in Brussels on 11 March.
Addressing the distinguished audience, Foreign Minister Tuomioja stressed the need for Europe to take note of global changes occurring in this world of increasing interdependence and emerging powers with stronger roles. Europeans must intensify their cooperation to be able to influence the increasingly complex international operating environment: the challenges posed by the economy, development and population growth, and the management of cross-border problems, such as combating climate change.
The voice of the EU and its Member States can be heard only if the European message is unified and clear. Tuomioja pointed out that the European External Action Service has a crucial role in this. The EU is the world’s largest internal market, the biggest development aid provider and a central supporter of international multilateral cooperation. European standards and values are still held in high regard. Europe can reach its goals and contribute to resolving global challenges only through a comprehensive approach and by coordinating the various sectors of external relations.
Tuomioja also presented concrete proposals for increasing the efficiency of the European External Action Service.
• Minister Tuomioja's speech(Link to another website.) (Opens New Window)
Apart from Tuomioja, the speakers at the event included Executive Secretary General Pierre Vimont of the European External Action Service, Researcher Kristi Raik of the FIIA and Senior Policy Analyst Rosa Balfour of the EPC.
The event also marked the launch of a major new study
Additional information: Chief of Cabinet Katja Pehrman, mobile tel. +358 40 181 9257, Special Advisor Charlotta Spolander, Unit for Policy Planning and Research, mobile tel. +358 40 542 0596