Commission President Urges EU to Increase Arms Production and Strengthen Defence Capabilities
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated in Prague that the European Union has not adequately strengthened its armament production capacities considering the geopolitical threats it faces.
Von der Leyen pointed out the conflict between Russia and Ukraine as a significant issue, along with other global conflicts and flashpoints.
She emphasized the need for a stronger European defense pillar while acknowledging NATO’s role in collective defense.
Addressing the need for a systemic overhaul of Europe’s defense, von der Leyen announced plans to appoint a Defense Commissioner in the next Commission to fulfill Europe’s strategic responsibility.
During her speech at the GLOBSEC forum in Prague, she criticized the notion that Europe had taken sufficient measures to defend itself economically or militarily at the beginning of the decade, calling it an “illusion” and warning of higher risks in the second half of the 2020s.
Von der Leyen also highlighted the importance of cooperation with the United States, praising America for supporting the freedom of Europeans, and urged Europe to strengthen its defense capabilities further to deter potential adversaries.
She discussed the impact of conflicts in the Middle East and tensions in the Far East, as well as the risk posed by climate change, emphasizing the need for Europe to prioritize security in all its endeavors.
Von der Leyen condemned those who shift blame from Russia’s actions in Ukraine, likening it to blaming past Soviet invasions on the invaded countries, and stressed the illegality and atrocity of the Kremlin’s behavior then and now.
She expressed support for integrating Ukraine into the EU as part of any peace settlement and highlighted concerns raised by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In conclusion, von der Leyen emphasized the importance of considering Ukraine’s future and warned against the escalation of conflicts that could lead to a catastrophic world war.
Reuters contributed to this report.
