"My statement has been taken out of context and misunderstood": Borrell

The expression about Europe as a 'garden' surrounded by the 'jungle' of the rest of the world has been taken out of context and misunderstood. This was stated by the head of EU diplomacy, Josep Borrell.

“Some have misinterpreted this metaphor, considering it a colonial Eurocentrism. I regret if anyone felt offended,” Borrell wrote on his blog.

He emphasized that, on the contrary, he is an opponent of the idea of “Europe as a fortress besieged by the rest of the world” and is in favor of developing deeper cooperation with the rest of the world, particularly with the Global South.

It should be noted that during a speech at the opening of the European Diplomatic Academy in Bruges, Borrell stated that 'privileged' Europe is a 'garden', while the surrounding world is a 'jungle' that can rudely intrude into a well-organized and well-functioning European mechanism. Borrell's comments have sparked a mixed response from the European and international community, forcing the EU's foreign policy service and the top European diplomat to clarify.