Ursula Von der Leyen calls for a “more independent” Europe in the face of global crises. “We need to develop a backbone”
Ursula von der Leyen. Credit line: Michael Probst / AP / Profimedia
The head of the European Commission spoke, in her speech at the Munich Security Conference, about the need for a new security strategy for Europe. Ursula Von der Leyen said the world was essentially on fire, pointing to the state of EU-US relations, Russia's invasion of Ukraine and “the very distinct threat of external forces trying to weaken our union from within”.
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“Europe has no other option but to become independent,” said the president of the European Commission, greeted with applause at the Munich Security Conference, quoted by CNN.
“An independent Europe is a strong Europe, and a strong Europe makes a stronger transatlantic alliance,” added the head of the European Commission.
Von der Leyen said in her speech that no “taboo” can go unchallenged when it comes to European defence.
Referring to how the bloc has remained “relentless” in its support for Ukraine, Von der Leyen said: “This is a real European awakening, and it is only the beginning of what we have to do.”
“We need to develop the European backbone of strategic factors in space, intelligence and deep strike capabilities. No taboo can go unchallenged,” she added.
She spoke of the need for a new European security strategy and of “formalizing the ad hoc beginnings of new security collaborations”.
“This means that in this period of instability, Europe, and the UK in particular, should come closer on security, the economy and the defense of our democracies. Ten years after Brexit, our futures are more closely linked than ever, dear Keir,” she said, referring to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
