Holger Schmieding

“Europe is trying to openly form new partnerships or deepen partnerships with all countries in the world that are sort of like-minded,”

Holger Schmieding · said 2026-09-16 · reported 2026-09-16

Schmieding told CNBC's 'Squawk Box Europe' that Europe is seeking to form or deepen partnerships with like-minded countries.

“I think this is a big step, indeed.”

Holger Schmieding · said 2026-09-16 · reported 2026-09-16

Schmieding assessed Von der Leyen's associate membership proposal for Canada as a significant development.

“It is not necessarily against the U.S., but it is clearly in favor of making us less dependent on the U.S. and less dependent on China, and that deeper partnership with other countries, like-minded democracies, is actually something we see in the economic re-arm,”

Holger Schmieding · said 2026-09-16 · reported 2026-09-16

Schmieding said deeper partnerships with like-minded democracies aim to reduce European dependence on the U.S. and China.