G20: Speech by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell at the EP plenary on the outcome of the Leaders’ Summit
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Opening remarks
Danke Schön Frau Präsidentin, Honourable Members,
As I am the first Member of the European Commission to take the floor today, on this day and every day, let me reiterate our stance against violence targeting women and our commitment to eradicating it. Gender stereotypes and violence against women are still, unfortunately, a too common reality. Womens’ rights equal human rights. And this is the essence of our societies and our democracies; one of the main pillars of our European Way of Life.
Let me now switch to the subject matter of this debate: the outcome of the G20 Leaders’ Summit. As you know President [of the European Commission, Ursula] von der Leyen and President [of the European Council, Charles] Michel represented the European Union.
President [of Brazil] Lula has put a special emphasis on fighting inequalities under this Brazilian Presidency. And this was reflected in the official launch of the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty. The European Union, together with 82 countries and organisations, proudly joined this Alliance as a founding member. With the aim of reducing global inequalities, G20 leaders also agreed to engage cooperatively to ensure the taxing of ultra-high-net-worth individuals, but this according to the principle and the respect of tax sovereignty of all states.
The President highlighted our commitment as the European Union to make the fight against poverty a priority, and this was reflected in our first-ever Anti-Poverty Strategy. But let me remind you that through you, Europeans, the European Union and our Member States remain the largest global provider of development aid, contributing collectively [with] around €95.9 billion last year.
Another focus of the Summit was obviously climate change and energy transition. Together with others, the European Union, wanted to send a strong signal on our increased ambition to the COP29 negotiations, including the transition away from fossil fuels and our commitment to absolute emission reduction targets. This was however, unfortunately, not possible. Instead, G20 Leaders re-affirmed their commitment to the outcome of the Global Stocktake from last year’s COP28. And, ahead of next year’s COP30 in Belem, the European Union will support Brazil in ensuring more ambitious outcome.
Another subject of the Summit was gender equality, that also, unfortunately, proved to be contentious. Similar discussions occurred during the Parliamentary 20 meeting a few weeks ago. And, as the European Union, we remain fully committed to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Another key topic for Brazil is the reform of the global governance. The Call to Action adopted in September was one of Brazil’s deliverables in calling for reform of the United Nations and of the International Financial Institutions. Leaders endorsed this G20 Roadmap in for the reform of Multinational Development Banks and encouraged the IMF and the World Bank to support vulnerable countries that face liquidity challenges.
Honourable Members,
Obviously, as you could imagine, geopolitics and the current turbulent situation in geopolitics clearly overshadowed the G20 Summit once again. Compared with the previous two Leaders’ summits, the escalation in the Middle East has significantly changed the dynamics. That is why the Leaders’ Declaration covers first general principles and then separate paragraphs on the Middle East and Ukraine, using the New Delhi Declaration and relevant UN Security Council language as references.
We, as European Union, would have certainly liked to obtain more ambitious language on Ukraine. The language contains key asks for the European Union such as the respect of the UN charter, human suffering, the need for just and durable peace. The President condemned notably the involvement of North Korea in the war in Ukraine. And as regards Gaza, President von der Leyen also called for a ceasefire and the immediate release of hostages; and to the end of the suffering of the Palestinian people as well as the need for a Two-State solution.
So, there you go; this was the result, rather a mixed result but I am sure you would understand that with Russia around the table and the overall geopolitical dynamics in this group, this was as much as possible to have achieved.
Thank you.
Link to video: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-264319
Closing remarks
Thank you, Madam President, Honourable Members,
This debate today clearly illustrated the geopolitical and economic importance and relevance of the G20, but at the same time, it also highlighted its complexity.
Our ambition is to showcase that the G20 is and can remain an effective forum that addresses the global challenges and can provide solutions while taking into account the interests of the “Global South” and go beyond the rather simplistic concept of “the West against the Rest”. It is not an easy thing, but it is possible.
As the European Union, we will always stand ready to further support also our African partners, the African Union in their participation.
Now, the incoming G20 Presidency by South Africa is another opportunity for the European Union to fully support their overarching theme ‘Solidarity, equality, and sustainability’. Also their priorities focusing on inclusive growth, food security and artificial intelligence. These issues are at the heart of the global agenda.
We look forward to working together also on the just energy transition, and local value creation, where we could build on the work carried out by experts in the United Nations Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals, co-chaired by South Africa and the European Commission.
In concluding this debate, on behalf of the Commission, let me assure you of two things. First, Europe will continue to defend a rules-based, multilateral world. A rules-based multilateral order, not a power-based world. Secondly, our values and political priorities will always project us as a force of good. This was the case in Rio, it will be the case in South Africa: we will continue to fight for a better world. We will be a beacon of light in a world that sounds and looks darker and darker.
Thank you.
Link to video: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-264323