European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed the need for Europe to strengthen its militaries and increase defense spending. “After a period of low spending, we all understand that it is necessary to increase this for a long time,” she explained after an informal meeting in London, called by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
“This is about the security of the EU, and we must, in the conditions we live in, prepare for the worst,” stressed von der Leyen, who also sent a message to the United States: “We are ready, together with you, to defend democracy.”
Von der Leyen's statements come as tensions between the US and Europe rise. In addition to threatening to raise tariffs by 25% on the old continent, Donald Trump launched negotiations to end the war in Ukraine directly with Russia, without including Europe or the occupied country in the talks.
The two superpowers also have disagreements over the Ukrainian conflict. On February 28, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Washington to agree on a rare earth minerals deal with the US. The meeting degenerated into an exchange of accusations, which Zelensky left without signing any agreement. After the meeting, Europe rallied in support of Zelensky.
“We need to put Ukraine in a position of strength. This means that they can strengthen and defend themselves. Essentially, it is about making Ukraine a ‘steel hedgehog’ that is invincible to potential invaders,” added von der Leyen, who also stressed the importance of “urgently rearming Europe.” To this end, she will present a rearmament plan on March 6. (A2 Televizion)
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