In his opening speech at the European Defense and Security Summit, the head of the board emphasized that work on building the EU security architecture must be started with the necessary speed and political will. As part of this, there will be central measures that will remain in the hands of the member states. The member states will be responsible for their teams and all related decisions, he explained.
Europe’s defence is a task for all of Europe.
Europe is responding to increasing threats with practical steps.
We’re spending more developing European projects & capacities.
And investing in our high-end defence capabilities.
It’s time to step up ↓ https://t.co/2yrIJWUcgO
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) April 17, 2024
He added that Europe also has tools and responsibilities in areas that are critical for defense, from the single market to research, from innovation to industry.
We must use Europe’s combined financial, structural and political strength where it can have the greatest impact. Because the protection of Europe is the responsibility of the whole of Europe – with the close cooperation of the member states and the EU institutions
he pointed out. In his opinion, the EU should focus on three main areas: preparedness, investments and partnerships. As he said, a lot can be done at the EU level, for example, in terms of identifying risks and assessing the threat situation more regularly, as well as coordinating the military and civilian areas. He called innovation an important aspect, as it is necessary to ensure Europe’s advantage in the field of new technologies that are deployed in various conflicts around the world.
Von der Leyen emphasized that support for Ukraine remains a priority, as the war is becoming bloodier, more intense and dragging on.
It will take a new European defense mindset, from member states to institutions to industry and investors, as well as political and moral courage to stand up for Ukraine
he said. He drew attention to the fact that the price of a possible Russian victory and the unpreparedness of confronting multiple threats and conflicts is much greater than Europe can afford.
Speaking about Iran’s weekend offensive against Israel, he emphasized: this attack should not be viewed in isolation, as, in his opinion, it was the latest statement of intent of the new league of authoritarians. He also confirmed that a more sovereign Europe in terms of defense will never affect the importance and necessity of the NATO alliance, but rather make it stronger.
