Remarks by President Juncker at the joint press conference with President Tusk ahead of the G20 Summit

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During a joint press conference with President Tusk ahead of the G20 Summit in Osaka, Japan, early this morning, President Juncker said: “Our message to the world is clear and simple: Europe is committed to upholding – and where necessary updating – the rules-based global system. And we are ready to work with everyone to make that happen.” President Juncker referred to the challenges and transitions the world faces, including climate, digital and technological change, which, he stated, “all require a concerted and comprehensive response within the multilateral rules-based system.” President Juncker also recalled that the European Union is in the seventh consecutive year of economic growth, with every Member State contributing to that progress. He said: “A large part of this success is due to the fact that Europe is open for fair business. The European Union is the number one trading partner for 80 countries around the world. We have 72 trade agreements in place, and under the mandate of this Commission alone we have opened up trade relations with 15 countries – from Canada to Japan via Ukraine and Ecuador. And there is more good news to come. This Sunday, the Commission will sign the new EU-Vietnam trade and investment agreements.”Please find the full opening speech by President Juncker online. Ahead of the Summit, Presidents Juncker and Tusk set out in a letter to EU leaders the Union’s joint priorities at this year’s summit. The joint letter is accompanied by a brochure with the key facts and figures about the EU at the G20.

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