EU fully backs India's global south agenda: European Council President Charles Michel
Charles Michel on Friday said the EU fully supported Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts to bridge the gap between the Global South and the Global North. He also said the EU supported India's efforts to build a consensus on a leaders' declaration for the G20 summit in New Delhi over the weekend.
The comments came amid the G20's focus on addressing the challenges faced by the Global South under the Indian presidency.
«I don't know if this is possible or not to have an agreement on a final communique, we will see. But we will defend our principles and will also support the efforts made by India,» Michel, who is here to attend the G20 summit, told a press conference.
In response to a question by ET, Michel said the EU backed Modi's agenda for the Global South.
He was, however, evasive on a question on the EU's rising imports of Russian energy, saying the EU is making arrangements for alternatives. The EU's imports of Russian energy have touched a high even while India is being blamed for imports of Russian crude.
Michel pointed to the EU's complicated relationship with China, based on engagement on crucial issues such as climate change while simultaneously defending democratic principles. «We think we need to encourage China to play a positive role at the global level and to defend the UN Charter and… the sovereignty of Ukraine,» he said.
On climate change, Michel said the «global community» needs to put into action sustainable, inclusive and just transitions.
«We are also focusing on the existential challenge of climate change. Floods, droughts and record-high temperatures are a threat to humanity's survival. Climate change spares no one.
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