European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has stated her intention to transform the European Union into a “defense union” if she is re-elected for a second term. This vision includes establishing a unified defense market.
In a speech delivered ahead of a vote on her position in the European Parliament on Thursday, von der Leyen emphasized that “Russia is still on the offensive in eastern Ukraine” and asserted that Moscow is “banking on Europe and the West going soft.”
She affirmed that “Europe will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes,” warning that “for the very first time our liberty is at stake.”
“We must do everything we can to protect our citizens, it is our duty. I do believe it is now time to build a veritable European union of defense,” von der Leyen added.
Elaborating on her vision for the EU, the former German defense minister emphasized that the bloc must retain control of its security and armed forces within the hands of member states, while NATO will remain “the pillar of our collective defense architecture.”
However, her vision entails the creation of a single defense market, joint arms-related investment programs, and shared defense projects, such as an EU-wide air defense system. According to von der Leyen, the EU’s defense sector in its current state is excessively “dependent on foreign allies,” with “spending on defense too low and ineffective.”
Furthermore, she pledged to enhance cooperation in addressing cyber threats and foreign interference, and to triple the number of European border and coast guards to 30,000. Von der Leyen also indicated that the EU under her leadership would welcome new members, including Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, and countries in the Western Balkans.
Russia has accused the West of prolonging the Ukraine conflict by continuing to supply weapons to Kiev. Moscow has also dismissed allegations that it is planning to attack EU countries as “ stories” and “nonsense.”
The European Parliament will decide later on Thursday whether to appoint von der Leyen for another five years at the head of the bloc. Despite being the sole candidate for the position, she must still secure a majority vote, or 361 out of 720 votes, to retain her seat.