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Good morning.

It's great to see everybody here,

and it gives me great pleasure to open our annual EU Ambassadors conference.

So welcome everyone in Brussels,

but also those who can't join us today in person and are connecting remotely.

We had to organize this option last minute for our ambassadors in the Middle East and Gulf who could not travel.

Or leave their posts, and this is the real sign of times that we are living currently.

Iran's subsequent attacks sow terror in the wider region with missiles and drones that unfortunately Ukraine has known for years already.

If anyone was not feeling it before, then we feel it now that we are at the turning point.

The premises that have guided global affairs for decades can no longer.

Be assumed, be it in politics or international law.

In this context, to advance the European Union's interests, it is critical we look at the wider perspective.

That is why and what we will also seek during this conference over this week.

As we reflect in our program for the next few days, there are many angles to consider from economic security to human rights,

and in addition to the interventions of the Presidents Ursula von der Leyen and Metsola,

we will also have many external guests to discuss these topics with.

I'm really glad to be here together with you.

You represent Europe in the world today, but also what Europe can be in the world tomorrow.

And at a time when growing Europe's geopolitical power has never been so important as it is right now.

You are truly our greatest asset, so let me thank you for your engagement,

dedication and commitment to serving Europe.

I hope you find this week encouraging and stimulating,

and I look forward to the exchanges that we have over the course of the days.

With this, I declare officially the EU Ambassadors Conference open.