Thank you, President Shafik, for your generous introduction.
Good afternoon to all.
I want to express my deep gratitude for the opportunity to address you today at one of the premier universities in the world, discussing the topic of leadership. We are here to explore the pressing need for Europe and the United States to continue their active roles on the global stage. Leadership, I believe, is fundamentally about people—about you—rather than merely institutions. The current geopolitical landscape compels us to navigate a future laden with uncertainty, a stark contrast to just a few years ago.
As the youngest individual to serve as President of the European Parliament, I represent a generation that was cradled in our parents’ arms as the Berlin Wall fell, witnessed the events in Tiananmen Square through flickering television screens, and remembers the euphoric liberation of millions of Europeans following the collapse of the USSR. We have enjoyed the fruits of the triumph of liberal democracy in a transformed world.
In both Europe and the US, my generation is the last to recall a time when liberal democracy was not an assured reality. We were confident that our achievements would endure indefinitely, believing that our values would shape the new global order. With the dismantling of the world’s power blocs, we held the conviction that democracy, freedom, the rule of law, and cooperation would usher in a new era of global trade and individual liberties.
We thought we could outpace any threats to our way of life. Perhaps we became somewhat complacent and overly comfortable.
Last year, we were struck with harsh reality as Russian tanks invaded the sovereign nation of Ukraine, subjecting it to looting, violence, and murder. The world was irrevocably altered.
On that fateful day, we recognized our obligation to lead in this new context. While the United States and Europe have their flaws, and improvements are necessary, they remain enduring symbols of liberty and freedom. If we fail to uphold our duty to lead, we risk allowing others, with values fundamentally different from ours, to take the helm.
This is a weighty responsibility. We must make the necessary and often difficult decisions, such as welcoming Ukraine and Moldova into our markets or providing military support to Ukraine.
Just over two decades ago, Europe engaged in extensive discussions regarding the potential accession of ten countries to the European Union. At that time, I was a student, immersed in the intricacies of political studies, yet firmly believing in the transformative power of Europe. The goal was never to mold everyone into a single likeness; rather, we believed that our strength lay in unity amid diversity. It was about our collective security, opportunities, and the comfort of belonging—values that meant everything to us.
This spirit continues to guide our perspective today. Despite our imperfections, the European Union still shines as a beacon for many living under oppression, and the United States remains a natural ally for them.
The geopolitical landscape is evolving. We witness Putin’s aggression against sovereign Ukraine, Lukashenko’s persecution of dissidents, China’s rise with a contrasting value system, India’s ascent, Afghanistan’s return to chaos, Iran’s destabilizing influence in the Middle East, tensions in East and Central Africa, and ongoing economic challenges in South America.
The EU and the US are among the most formidable economic blocs globally. Our transatlantic partnership serves as a vital artery for the global economy. However, our real strength lies in our shared dreams and values.
The world cannot flourish amid imbalances. We must cultivate a global democratic alliance of trusted partners and friends.
We have taken on the same responsibility we embraced when we stood united with Ukraine. Our rhetoric has been matched by action and tangible support. Together, we implemented stringent sanctions that have halved Russia’s energy revenues, a trend that continues. We’ve proven that we can respond and adapt under immense pressure, affirming that our way of life works, that our values are meaningful, and that it is worth striving for.
These relationships and principles have endured through time, but only if we persist in collaboration and leadership to confront today’s challenges. Too many individuals struggle to make ends meet, too many women encounter significant barriers in their careers, and too many young people face an uncertain future. Climate change wreaks havoc on lives, livelihoods, and the environment. The digital revolution is advancing more rapidly than we can regulate it effectively. We must prioritize our people’s concerns in every action we undertake.
Our future steps will hinge on our ability to remain competitive. How can we create dignified jobs and futures? How can we counter inflation that erodes asset value without rendering homeownership unattainable for young people? How can we ensure that the digital transition fosters innovation for our businesses—where failure is possible, yet recovery is equally achievable?
In the European Union, we have begun laying the groundwork. Consider our Chips Act and our Digital Services and Digital Markets Acts. We are now developing the world’s first comprehensive, pro-innovation Artificial Intelligence Act. In all these pioneering legislative efforts, we have strived to strike a balance between enabling business innovation, ensuring online safety, and setting standards that the global community will inevitably adopt.
This process has not been without challenges. Unlike the United States, the European Union comprises twenty-seven sovereign nations, each with unique regulatory frameworks, constitutions, languages, and sometimes conflicting interests. Yet it is precisely within this melting pot of ideas that we discover the most effective solutions.
Investment requires funding—public funding. How do we stimulate economic growth while managing our debts? How can we ensure we have the resources and liquidity to implement the solutions that are necessary? The answer lies in achieving real, sustainable economic growth.
I have always viewed the green transition as a fundamental component of that sustainable growth strategy. It is not merely an obligation but also an investment in our economies. However, for it to succeed, it must be human-centric, providing genuine incentives and safety nets for industries, and ambitious enough to tackle the pressing climate emergency we face. It must align with the targets of the Paris Agreement while also being beneficial for people.
In addressing climate change, we must abandon binary thinking. We can strive to be the most climate-ambitious continents while simultaneously aiming to be the most competitive, innovative, and business-friendly. The only way to achieve this is through continuous dialogue with people—and more importantly, through listening. This approach prevents individuals from gravitating toward political extremes that offer simplistic solutions to complex issues. It is our responsibility to drive a clean-tech revolution, and I am confident we can do so inclusively.
Significant progress has already been made in the European Union. We have reformed our Emissions Trading System to incentivize companies to reduce emissions by assigning a price to carbon. We have implemented a carbon border tax to level the playing field for our businesses and established a Social Climate Fund to assist both companies and households in reducing their emissions.
These initiatives are beginning to yield positive results. Since last year, we have seen substantial increases in solar and wind energy installations across Europe—47% for solar and 30% for wind. Despite supply chain disruptions stemming from the pandemic and challenging economic conditions, Europe is on track to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.
Now, let me take a moment to discuss defense.
The concept of security, as we have learned in the past year and a half, requires a new understanding. It is no longer solely about traditional warfare. Putin has weaponized information, energy, food, and even people to undermine Ukrainian resistance and diminish Western support. The time has come for the European Union and NATO to strengthen the foundations of their cooperation. It is about fostering peace—genuine peace that encompasses liberty. It is about safeguarding our citizens and upholding our values.
I appeal to you now. I am here today to encourage you to take the lead. Embrace a sense of urgency. Rabbi Jonathan Sacks once said, “Not all of us have power, but we all have influence, whether we seek it or not… There is quiet leadership of influence that seeks no power but changes lives. In challenging times, we need it more than ever.”
The world requires what you, the students, have to offer—your knowledge, skills, determination, resilience, and leadership. Be prepared to encounter cynics along your journey, just as I have. However, history shows that every generation has been underestimated until it has proven itself on the world stage.
Whether your path leads you into politics, medicine, science, technology, or academia, I wholeheartedly believe in your vast potential to create a better, safer, and more equitable world. Together, we can draw our world closer to what it should be.
Friends, this is our moment for leadership, and we must not falter.
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