Alexis Tsipras: We need a different kind of leadership from the West –

The need for a new Euro-Mediterranean Initiative for Peace, Security and Sustainable Development in the Mediterranean was underlined by the former Prime Minister, Alexis Tsipras, speaking as an honored person at the conference for the 40th anniversary of the Arab Business Association, in Tunis.

Referring to international developments, he noted that “we need a different kind of leadership from the West. A leadership based on a vision that accepts that the world is multipolar and not only led by the United States.” Mr. Tsipras noted that Europe should use its diplomatic power to end the war in Ukraine. At the same time, that there should be an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East with the “return of all hostages”, otherwise European sanctions would be imposed on Israel.

In his speech, Mr. Tsipras underlined, among other things:

– The Mediterranean dimension must be an important element of the redesign of European policy in relation to the industrial sector, energy, the green agenda and immigration.

– More generally, the E.U. it needs to redefine its policies with an eye on the next 10-20 years. It must consider how it can strengthen and integrate a new workforce, promote the policy of issuing common debt and strengthening wealth taxation.

– To stand up to Donald Trump’s xenophobic rhetoric.

– We need an immigration policy oriented towards safe, orderly and legal immigration. With legal channels, respect for human life, returns to those not entitled to asylum and dealing with traffickers.

– If Europe wants to become more productive, like the US, it needs to consider how it can strengthen and integrate a new workforce. 80% of the difference in productivity between Europe and the US is linked to the increase in the labor force of the latter.

– Greece is a member of the EU and NATO, as is 70% of Tunisia’s trade with the EU. But at the same time we must ensure that we have the space and the flexibility – the strategic autonomy – for a foreign and economic policy that will it allows us to protect and support our peoples, our interests and our economies in this new multipolar world of multiple crises. And that means making brave decisions. Together with our partners where possible. Without them and beyond them, when necessary.

– We are going through a historic transition to a multipolar world, where the international role of the US is leading, but not dominant. We need to develop a new multilateral architecture, both in the financial and security fields. Global financial institutions to prioritize sustainable development and stability, particularly in areas where conflict and climate change lead to greater migration flows

Al. Tsipras was quoted in Ukrainian as saying: “We are actively standing against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It is important that Europe uses all its diplomatic power for peace based on international law in Ukraine.”

Regarding the war in Palestine, he underlined: “It is important to condemn terrorism and every state that supports it. But terrorism cannot be countered by the killing of thousands of civilians, including thousands of children by Israeli operations in Palestine. There must be an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East with the return of all hostages. Otherwise, European sanctions should be imposed on Israel.”

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