EU's von der Leyen urges 'new European independence', hails potential India deal

Reuters. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Tuesday (January 20) the series of recent geopolitical shocks will force the European Union to build a new independent Europe.

"We will only be able to capitalise on this opportunity if we recognise that this change is permanent," she stressed in a speech delivered in Davos.

She added said the European Union was on the verge of concluding a free trade agreement with India, although work remains to get it over the line.

"We are on the cusp of a historic trade agreement. Some call it the mother of all deals, one that would create a market of 2 billion people, accounting for almost a quarter of global GDP," she said in a section of her speech on EU efforts to diversify its trade.

Von der Leyen is expected to visit India early next week.