EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has urged the European parliament to ramp up defence spending, as leaders mobilise to find common ground on the military future of the continent.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called for a "surge" in European defence spending, urging the continent to take greater responsibility for its security.
Tuesday's remarks at the European parliament in Strasbourg coincide with French President Emmanuel Macron's gathering of military chiefs from 30 European and NATO countries in Paris to discuss Ukraine and wider security challenges.
"Europe's security order is being shaken," von der Leyen warned, stressing that the continent can no longer assume "America's full protection".
"The time of illusions is now over. Europe must step up and take charge of its own defence," she declared. "We need a surge in European defence. And we need it now".
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Strengthening deterrence
Von der Leyen’s call comes as US President Donald Trump's commitment to Ukraine and NATO has faltered, raising fears that Washington may scale back its security role.
Meanwhile, his openness to negotiating with Russia over Ukraine has sparked concerns that Kyiv could be pressured into an unfavourable deal.
"Putin cannot be trusted – he can only be deterred," von der Leyen asserted, noting that Russia is outspending all of Europe combined on defence.
However, she expressed confidence in Europe's ability to rise to the challenge: "We all wish for peace. But if we unleash our industrial power, we can restore deterrence against those who seek to do us harm," she added.
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Next steps for European defence
Thursday's address comes as the European Commission has proposed redirecting cohesion funds – normally earmarked for poorer EU regions – towards defence and easing restrictions on military investments by the European Investment Bank.
With defence high on the agenda, EU leaders will meet at a summit in Brussels next week to further develop a common strategy.
Ahead of this, the Commission will publish a white paper outlining options to "substantially boost financing for European defence."
"The European Council will continue to drive this work forward – to build our deterrence and strengthen security," according to European Council President Antonio Costa.
Some in the EU Parliament are calling for joint borrowing, similar to measures taken during the Covid-19 crisis, however opposition remains from member states like Germany.
