EU's Borrell Warns Against New Wars Amid Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Josep Borrell, the European Union's foreign policy chief, cautioned against opening a "Pandora's Box of new conflicts" in the context of the ongoing situation between Russia and Ukraine. Speaking at a World Economy Forum panel in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Borrell attributed recent conflicts to a global redistribution of power, stating, "There are more independent actors, less rules, more disorder."

In addition to traditional armed conflicts, Borrell highlighted the emergence of a "war of narratives" on the global stage. He emphasized the importance of international collaboration and dialogue to address critical global challenges, including economic difficulties, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical tensions.

The World Economic Forum meeting in Riyadh brought together over 1,000 global leaders from 92 countries to find collaborative solutions to shared global issues. More than half of the participants hailed from the Global South and emerging economies. Discussions covered topics such as a new vision for global development, the energy transition, and the need for sustainable and inclusive growth.

Why this matters: The warning from the EU's top diplomat underscores the heightened risk of escalating conflicts in an increasingly multipolar world. As global power dynamics shift, the international community must work together to prevent the outbreak of new wars and promote stability through dialogue and cooperation.

Borrell also addressed the ongoing conflict in Gaza, stating that the "only solution is to share land." Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan described the situation in Gaza as "disastrous" and said the international security mechanism has failed. He reiterated the need for a two-state solution and pledged that Saudi Arabia will do everything it can to push in that direction. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected to arrive in Riyadh to continue efforts to address the Gaza crisis, which was a highly discussed topic at the WEF summit.

Key Takeaways

• EU's Borrell warns of new conflicts amid global power shifts and disorder.
• Borrell highlights "war of narratives" and calls for global collaboration.
• WEF meeting in Riyadh brings together global leaders to address challenges.
• Borrell and Saudi FM discuss Gaza crisis, call for two-state solution.
• U.S. Secretary of State Blinken to visit Riyadh to address Gaza situation.