European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen has said that “we need a surge in European defence” and that “it is time to build a European Defence Union”.
Speaking to lawmakers at the European Parliament in Strasbourg earlier today, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that Europe’s security arrangement was “being shaken” because the continent could no longer rely on “America’s full protection.”
“The time of illusions is now over,” she said.
“Europe is called to take greater charge of its own defence. We need a surge in European defence. And we need it now.”
Von der Leyen also expressed concern over US policy direction under President Donald Trump, whose recent efforts to improve American relations with Russia have raised doubts about America’s ongoing commitment to NATO and European security.
“We all wish we could live in more peaceful times,” she said.
“But I’m confident that, if we unleash our industrial power, we can restore deterrence against those who seek to do us harm. It is time to build a European Defence Union that ensures peace on our continent through unity and strength.”
She also pointed out the considerable scale of Russian military spending, cautioning European lawmakers that Russian President Vladimir Putin “cannot be trusted” but only “deterred,” and adding: “The Kremlin is spending more on its military than all of Europe combined.”
EU leaders last week backed a European Commission proposal to mobilise up to €800 billion for increased defence spending. This includes up to €150 billion in EU-backed loans and a relaxation of fiscal rules, allowing member states greater flexibility to invest in defence.
The proposal also permits member states to redirect EU cohesion funds, initially earmarked for developing poorer regions, and lifts restrictions on European Investment Bank funding for defence projects.
Further discussions on enhancing European defence are set to take part next week’s summit in Brussels. Prior to the summit, the Commission will release a white paper detailing additional proposals and plans to “substantially boost financing for European defence.”
“We are moving decisively towards a strong and more sovereign Europe of defence,” European Council President António Costa said.
“The European Council took fast and ambitious decisions on defence and Ukraine. Boosting European defence is the right way for a stronger EU, protecting our citizens and preserving our social model.
“Ukraine’s security cannot be separated from Europe’s security. We have now committed to increasing our support even more. The best security guarantee we can provide is to strengthen Ukraine’s self-defence and to build a credible and robust Europe of Defence.”