Von der Leyen Warns Europe Must Prepare for War Amid Rising Tensions
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasizes the need for military readiness in light of rising geopolitical threats from Russia.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, stated that Europe must prepare for war if it hopes to avoid conflict, asserting that Russia is preparing for confrontation with European democracies.
Speaking at the Danish Royal Military Academy in Copenhagen, she noted that Russia has expanded its military production capacity, which she indicated fuels the war against Ukraine while simultaneously preparing for future confrontations with European nations.
Von der Leyen highlighted the shift in US foreign policy focus towards the Indo-Pacific region, urging the European Union (EU) to enhance its own defense capabilities by 2030. She emphasized that the EU cannot take its existing security structures for granted.
To address these challenges, she urged member states to develop large-scale joint projects and strengthen cooperation in military procurement, aiming to harmonize demand, reduce delivery times, and ensure compatibility of weapon systems among EU nations.
The President pointed out the return of an era marked by spheres of influence and power competition, predicting that a new world order will take shape by the second half of the decade.
She reaffirmed the EU's commitment to work closely with NATO and the United States.
Emphasizing the importance of establishing a reliable European defense framework, von der Leyen underscored the necessity for member states to lean on European defense procurement chains.
In the coming months, the European Commission plans to hold discussions with European defense companies and roll out proposals for simplified authorization procedures.
Von der Leyen stressed that by 2030, a functional network of land corridors, airports, and ports must be established across the EU to facilitate the rapid transportation of troops and military equipment.
She indicated that investment is needed in air defenses, ammunition, missiles, and drone systems, underlining the lessons learned from the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Additionally, she outlined a strategic objective to empower Ukraine's leadership sufficiently to deter potential aggressors.
Von der Leyen announced the establishment of a working group with Ukraine to facilitate military equipment procurement and strengthen support for the Kyiv leadership.
Speaking at the Danish Royal Military Academy in Copenhagen, she noted that Russia has expanded its military production capacity, which she indicated fuels the war against Ukraine while simultaneously preparing for future confrontations with European nations.
Von der Leyen highlighted the shift in US foreign policy focus towards the Indo-Pacific region, urging the European Union (EU) to enhance its own defense capabilities by 2030. She emphasized that the EU cannot take its existing security structures for granted.
To address these challenges, she urged member states to develop large-scale joint projects and strengthen cooperation in military procurement, aiming to harmonize demand, reduce delivery times, and ensure compatibility of weapon systems among EU nations.
The President pointed out the return of an era marked by spheres of influence and power competition, predicting that a new world order will take shape by the second half of the decade.
She reaffirmed the EU's commitment to work closely with NATO and the United States.
Emphasizing the importance of establishing a reliable European defense framework, von der Leyen underscored the necessity for member states to lean on European defense procurement chains.
In the coming months, the European Commission plans to hold discussions with European defense companies and roll out proposals for simplified authorization procedures.
Von der Leyen stressed that by 2030, a functional network of land corridors, airports, and ports must be established across the EU to facilitate the rapid transportation of troops and military equipment.
She indicated that investment is needed in air defenses, ammunition, missiles, and drone systems, underlining the lessons learned from the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Additionally, she outlined a strategic objective to empower Ukraine's leadership sufficiently to deter potential aggressors.
Von der Leyen announced the establishment of a working group with Ukraine to facilitate military equipment procurement and strengthen support for the Kyiv leadership.
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