Strasbourg (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for a “surge” in European defence expenditures, as the EU faces an aggressive Russia and waning US support.
Addressing the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Von der Leyen stated Europe’s security order was
“being shaken,”
indicating the continent could no longer depend on
“America’s full protection”.
“The time of illusions is now over. Europe is called to take greater charge of its own defence,”
The European Commission president said, speaking to the European Parliament.
“We need a surge in European defence. And we need it now.”
This is the moment for peace through strength.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) March 11, 2025
This is the moment for a common defence.
This is Europe’s moment ↓ https://t.co/GAPU3w8PV2
How will the proposed €800 billion defence plan reshape Europe’s security?
Based on recent developments, the European Union has already sent a clear message that it is progressing in that direction, with EU leaders last week supporting a commission plan sought to mobilise up to 800 billion euros to increase defence spending.
The defence plan offers to provide members with EU-supported loans of up to 150 billion euros and reduces fiscal rules to permit states to spend much more. European governments are under stress to step up on defence as US President Donald Trump challenges whether the United States should continue its major role in NATO.
Can the EU’s defence industry compete with Russia’s massive military budget?
Moreover, noting that Russian President Vladimir Putin
“cannot be trusted”
But only
“deterred”,
Von der Leyen stated that the Kremlin was spending more on its defence
“than all of Europe combined”.
“We all wish we could live in more peaceful times. But I am confident that, if we unleash our industrial power, we can restore deterrence against those who seek to do us harm,”
She added.
“It is time to build a European Defence Union that ensures peace on our continent through unity and strength.”
As reported, talks on how to boost the bloc’s military might are to continue at a summit in Brussels next week, with the commission to offer a white paper ahead of time with further chances to
“substantially boost financing for European defence.”
“The European Council will continue to take work forward to build our deterrence, to strengthen the security of our continent,”
European Council President Antonio Costa told the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
