The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, referred to the comments contained in the latest United States National Security Strategy during a debate in the European Parliament. Americans blamed Europe for its decline in share in world GDP from 25 percent. in 1990 to 14 percent Currently. However, Von der Leyen noted that the US itself experienced a similar trend, losing 8 percentage points over the same period.
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“This is not a question of the economy on one or the other side of the Atlantic, but a story of global change,” said the head of the European Commission, pointing to China's growing power. As she emphasized, the country's share in world GDP has increased since 1990 from 4%. up to 20 percent, which largely explains the current strategic priorities of the United States.
Europe on the road to independence
Von der Leyen noted that the European Union is taking decisive steps towards greater independence, especially in the area of energy. The President of the European Commission recalled that since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, gas imports from Russia have decreased from 45%. to 13 percent, and in the case of coal and crude oil, supplies from this country were almost completely eliminated. “Just a few years ago, such a scenario seemed impossible,” she emphasized.
In the context of security, von der Leyen pointed to a significant increase in investment in European defense. Over the last 10 years, EUR 8 billion has been allocated for this purpose, but in 2025 the expenditure is to be many times higher. “The SAFE rearmament program has enjoyed so much interest that member states are already calling for its extension,” she noted.
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Support for Ukraine remains crucial
The President of the European Commission also reminded about the need for further financial support for Ukraine. According to European Commission estimates, this country will need EUR 137 billion in 2026-2027, one third of which should come from the EU budget. Von der Leyen proposed two possible solutions: taking out common debt by the EU or using frozen Russian assets.
“Last week we agreed to permanently freeze Russian assets. This is an important political signal.” – von der Leyen noted, also referring to Belgium's opposition to this solution. She added that the proposal includes protective mechanisms for all Member States, which is intended to dispel doubts about the effects of this action.
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