Challenge number two relates to the impact of euro crisis. We have to accept that in the minds of some people the crisis has raised questions about the cogency of the Union's international projection and especially its ability to champion human rights globally. The economic success of several authoritarian countries has, some even feel, weakened the association between liberal democracy and economic prosperity.
But I am convinced this is unnecessary defeatism, unsupported by the facts and far short of what people both inside and outside the EU expect from us. Let us not forget: the EU counts for a great deal in global affairs; its shares of trade, investment, military capacity, energy resources, research funding, diplomatic tools as well as its soft power remain considerable. People still want to join the EU or to trade with us. The EU figures strongly in economic rankings. The economy of the European Union generates a GDP of over €12.629 trillion, making it the world's largest economy. It is also the world's biggest trader, accounting for 20% of global imports and exports. This gives the EU considerable leverage to push for the things that matter to us such as respect for people's rights and dignity.
Furthermore, throughout the world people believe in what we believe in. Look at the "Arab Spring" and what people in Tahrir Square called for - they want jobs, dignity and rights. The EU has a better record delivering on and supporting these demands than any other power. Global politics will increasingly be shaped by the demands of ordinary people - demands for rights, peace and prosperity - while social media will increasingly carry their message, and allow activists to break free from their isolation, to disseminate ideas and to denounce oppression. These are issues that the EU was founded to address and has sought to support globally. No other power can say as much. Our commitment to human rights does not track the economic cycle.
I lost no time, when I first took office, in laying out how important I believe the EU's human rights work to be; and I have now led European foreign ministers in re-stating the prominent place values must have in the EU's over-all foreign policy. I will shortly appoint the first-ever EU human rights envoy whose job will be to translate this commitment to human rights into foreign policy practice. This will be hard yet gratifying work. But it is the reason why I entered politics, why I have kept at it, and what I want the EEAS to be known for as well.
