The Observer view on the EU´s weakness on the world stage | Observer editorial
(The Guardian Iran)

Its new commission is failing to enact its grand ambitions, as destructive global power games are played out by othersIt has been a difficult start to 2020 for the EU and the new European commission, which took office last month. Ursula von der Leyen, who succeeded Jean-Claude Juncker as commission president, is not short of ambition. She believes Europe should take a leading `geopolitical` role in international affairs, reflecting the EU´s status as the world´s largest trade bloc. But turning words into deeds is proving problematic.`The EU needs to be more strategic, more assertive and more united in its approach to external relations,` Von der Leyen told Josep Borrell, the newly nominated EU high representative for foreign and security policy, in a mission statement last autumn. `We must use our diplomatic and economic strength to support global stability and prosperity... and be better able to export our values and standards.` Continue reading...