New Delhi- As the G20 Summit in New Delhi looms on the horizon, European Council President Charles Michel has emphasized the potential for the summit to be a catalyst for addressing pressing global issues, despite not being a panacea for all challenges.
In a press conference held in the Indian capital, Michel acknowledged the complexity of the discussions, which encompass topics such as climate change, digital equity, and increased support for developing nations. He lauded India’s efforts to foster consensus among member nations for the summit’s final declaration.
Michel, while condemning recent Russian attacks on a Ukrainian port, underscored the far-reaching consequences of such actions, particularly in the context of global food security. “Over 250 million people face acute food insecurity worldwide, and by deliberately attacking Ukraine’s port, the Kremlin is depriving them of the food they desperately need. It’s frankly scandalous that Russia, after having initiated the Black Sea Grain initiative, is blocking and attacking Ukrainian sea ports. This must stop… ships with grain need to have access to the Black Sea,” he asserted.
On the matter of Europe’s reliance on Russian oil, the European Council President acknowledged the vulnerabilities exposed by the conflict and affirmed that concerted efforts were being made to reduce this dependence through investments in renewable energy and diversifying energy sources.
Michel emphasized the EU’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, even as the union actively considers imposing further sanctions on Russia.
Concluding his remarks, Michel highlighted the EU’s potential role in bridging the gap between Western nations and the Global South, positioning the European Union as a key player in shaping the future of global cooperation.
The G20 Summit is slated to take place on September 9 and 10, with expectations running high for significant strides in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges.
