In a world turned topsy-turvy, the European Union (EU) will remain a steadfast and predictable partner, consistent in its commitments and positions, vowed a top official of the bloc yesterday.

“We may be an imperfect union… but you will always know where we stand, and you will always know you can count on us,” Ms Federica Mogherini, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said at a lecture organised by NTU’s S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies.

Not once during her 15-minute speech did she name the United States, but its shadow loomed throughout, as Ms Mogherini sought to assure, again and again, in the wake of upheavals caused by the Trump administration, that the EU would not waver in its glo-bal commitments.