On a day when European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen travelled to Baku to reinforce the EU's energy and political ties with Azerbaijan, the European People's Party (EPP) leader Manfred Weber sat down with Euronews to discuss the bloc's most pressing challenges — from climate adaptation to migration and industrial competitiveness.
Speaking exclusively to Euronews, Weber argued that the EU must not let climate ambitions undermine its industrial base. "We cannot sacrifice our industry on the altar of climate goals," he said, echoing a line he has used in recent speeches. The EPP, the largest group in the European Parliament, has been pushing for a more pragmatic approach to the Green Deal, especially as energy prices remain high and Chinese competition intensifies.
Weber also addressed the growing debate over whether Europe needs to embrace air conditioning as heatwaves become more frequent and intense. While some environmentalists oppose widespread AC adoption due to its energy consumption, Weber suggested that the EU should focus on innovation and efficiency rather than outright bans. "We need to be realistic about climate adaptation," he said. "People in southern Europe cannot be expected to suffer in extreme heat."
Meanwhile, in Dublin, Ireland's Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne, outlined his country's priorities as it takes over the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU. Byrne emphasised the need for stronger European defence cooperation, particularly in light of Russia's war in Ukraine. "Ireland is neutral, but we are not indifferent," he told Euronews. "We will work to ensure the EU can defend its values and its borders."
Von der Leyen in Baku: Energy and Geopolitics
In Baku, President von der Leyen met with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to discuss energy cooperation and regional stability. The visit builds on a memorandum of understanding signed in 2022, which aims to double the EU's imports of Azerbaijani gas by 2027. The EU sees Azerbaijan as a key partner in diversifying away from Russian energy, especially after the Kremlin's invasion of Ukraine disrupted supplies.
Von der Leyen's trip also comes amid heightened tensions in the South Caucasus. The EU has been mediating between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and the Commission chief recently announced a major support package for Yerevan. The package includes €270 million in grants and loans, aimed at strengthening Armenia's resilience and reducing its dependence on Russia.
In Baku, von der Leyen stressed the importance of a comprehensive peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan. "The EU is ready to support both countries in achieving a lasting peace," she said. "We have the tools and the will to help." Her visit was part of a broader tour that also included stops in Yerevan and Tbilisi, underscoring the EU's growing engagement in the region.
Back in Brussels, the political debate over migration continues to simmer. Weber criticised Spain's recent decision to regularise hundreds of thousands of undocumented migrants, calling it a "unilateral move that undermines EU asylum rules." He argued that the bloc needs a common approach to migration, with stronger border controls and faster returns for those not granted asylum. His comments reflect a broader EPP push for tougher migration policies, which have gained traction in several member states.
The EPP leader also touched on EU-China trade relations, warning that a trade conflict could erupt if Beijing fails to meet an October deadline on market access. "We want a level playing field, but we are prepared to retaliate if necessary," Weber said. The Commission has already signalled it could impose tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles if negotiations stall.
As the EU navigates these complex challenges, the voices of its political leaders — from Weber in Strasbourg to von der Leyen in Baku — reflect a continent grappling with how to balance ambition with pragmatism. The coming months will test whether the bloc can maintain its unity on climate, migration, and foreign policy, even as national interests sometimes pull in different directions.
