The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, called on the European states for a fundamental change in the approach to common defense.
Europe must engage and take more responsibility for its own security, said the head of the European Commission (EC), Ursula von der Leyen, in a speech at the Munich Security Conference (MSC) on Saturday. At the same time, she added that Europe and Britain should cooperate more closely in the field of security and economy in order to protect their democracies, TASR informs, according to an AFP report.
- Europe must take more responsibility for its security.
- Europe and Britain should cooperate in defense and economy.
- The European way of life is threatened by new challenges.
- Europe’s defense spending has increased significantly.
Von der Leyen: The European way of life is being challenged in new ways
“Europe must become more independent – there is no other choice,” Von der Leyen began her speech. “The European way of life – our democratic foundation and the trust of our citizens – are being challenged in new ways. In everything – from territory to customs or technological regulations,” she said, apparently alluding to the US, but at the same time referring to Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine, the Euronews server writes.
“Some may say that the word ‘independence’ is at odds with our transatlantic bond. However, the opposite is true. An independent Europe is a strong Europe. And a strong Europe creates a stronger transatlantic alliance,” she added.
“Europe and especially the United Kingdom should come closer together… Ten years after Brexit, our future is more connected than ever,” Von der Leyen told a security conference in the Bavarian capital.
One for all and all for one
As she added, according to her, Europe is “achieving results” in the field of defense, while its defense spending has increased by almost 80 percent compared to the periods before the war in Ukraine, the Euronews server quoted her.
However, Europe must go beyond the expenditures themselves, pointed out the head of the EC. “I believe the time has come to put the mutual defense clause into practice in Europe. Mutual defense is not optional for the EU. It is an obligation under our own treaty – Article 42(7). For good reason. It is our collective commitment to stand together in the event of aggression. Or simply put, one for all and all for one,” she elaborated, adding that “this is what Europe is all about. But that commitment only has weight if it is built on confidence and abilities.”
