Von der Leyen: World trade is turning to Europe

(Patria) - World trade is turning towards Europe because other countries want agreements with the EU, said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen yesterday.

Von der Leyen stated at a European People's Party gathering in Valencia that the EU "already has the largest network of free trade agreements, 76 of them" with countries around the world.

- Now, world trade is turning towards us - Von der Leyen said confidently, at a time when the world is threatened by the introduction of US tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump in early April.

Since the end of last year, the EU has signed a new wave of trade agreements, from the South American alliance Mercosur to Mexico and Switzerland, the EC President recalled.

- Now we are cooperating with India, Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, Thailand, the Philippines and Malaysia, with the Pacific.

They all want a deal with us. Because we are fair, reliable, and play by the rules. Therefore, let's stay on this path, with a cool head and united - Von der Leyen urged.

She also stated that the EU must simultaneously work on strengthening its single market by removing superfluous national barriers, fighting fragmentation and bureaucracy.

- If we remove all trade barriers within our Union, we could increase our GDP by up to 10 percent.

Therefore, friends, it is time to break the shackles. Europe was the cradle of innovation. Let's unleash European innovation - added Von der Leyen.