France's foreign minister Jean‑Noël Barrot emphasized the need for Europe to assert itself amid the growing rivalry between the US and China, which seek to weaken Europe. He warned that this geopolitical tension could lead to confrontation between nuclear powers, but argued that Europe holds the key to changing the outcome. Barrot called for a new pact between Europe and its citizens to protect borders and democratic processes, while European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen urged for a more assertive foreign policy. Teljes cikk (Euronews.com)