BIG IDEA | ‘This is a defining question of our time: Can democracies come together to deliver real results for our people in a rapidly changing world?’

‘On Wednesday, I depart for Europe on the first foreign travel of my presidency.’

• ‘It is a trip stacked with meetings with many of our closest democratic partners — including the Group of Seven nations, our NATO allies and the leadership of the European Union — before concluding by meeting with Vladimir Putin.’

‘In this moment of global uncertainty, as the world still grapples with a once-in-a-century pandemic, this trip is about realizing America’s renewed commitment to our allies and partners, and demonstrating the capacity of democracies to both meet the challenges and deter the threats of this new age.’

• ‘Whether it is ending the covid-19 pandemic everywhere, meeting the demands of an accelerating climate crisis, or confronting the harmful activities of the governments of China and Russia, the United States must lead the world from a position of strength.’

‘Just as it does at home, honing the ability of democracies to compete and protecting our people against unforeseen threats requires us to invest in infrastructure.’

• ‘The world’s major democracies will be offering a high-standard alternative to China for upgrading physical, digital and health infrastructure that is more resilient and supports global development.’

‘While in Brussels, I’ll meet with the president of the European Commission and the president of the European Council to discuss how the United States and Europe can work in close coordination on global challenges.’

• ‘We will focus on ensuring that market democracies, not China or anyone else, write the 21st-century rules around trade and technology.’
• ‘And we will continue to pursue the goal of a Europe whole, free and at peace.

‘This is a defining question of our time:’

• ‘Can democracies come together to deliver real results for our people in a rapidly changing world?’
• ‘Will the democratic alliances and institutions that shaped so much of the last century prove their capacity against modern-day threats and adversaries?’

‘I believe the answer is yes.’

• ‘And this week in Europe, we have the chance to prove it.’