#Poland is one of Europe's most dynamic economies! #VonderLeyen

After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, to help a country whose prospect is membership in the Union, von der Leyen reiterated, “​Europe has overcome its long-standing unwillingness to spend enough on its own defence. I cannot overemphasise the importance of the US’ support for Ukraine since the start of this war.

Once again,” the German politician stressed, “America has stood up for the freedom of all Europeans. I feel a deep sense of gratitude for this, but also a deep sense of responsibility.”

The United States, however, has long been trying to lighten the burden of Europe’s defence, and the situation could precipitate if Donald Trump wins in the November elections. So “protecting Europe is first and foremost Europe’s duty.

And while NATO must remain the centre of our collective defence,” von der Leyen explained “we need a much stronger European pillar. We Europeans need to have the means to defend and protect ourselves and deter any possible adversaries“.

“Since the start of the war, we have already made unprecedented progress. Member states have stepped up their defence spending from just over 200 billion euros before the war to nearly 300 billion euros this year.

And our defence industry has also stepped up to the new reality. We have reopened production lines. We have placed new orders and cut red tape for industry, to produce more and more quickly,” she recalled. “But this is not enough.

The reality is that even if Europeans take the current security threats seriously, it will take time and investment to re-structure our defence industries. Our aim— she stressed—must be to build continent-size defence output.”

According to the president, “The challenge is for small countries and small businesses to learn to think big, really big. We must have in mind a systemic overhaul of Europe’s defence. This is Europe’s strategic responsibility, irrespective of the outcome of the US elections on Nov. 5.”

For von der Leyen, “at the beginning of this decade, many illusions were shattered in Europe. The illusion that peace had been achieved once and for all. The illusion that prosperity might matter more to Putin than his delusional dreams of empire. The illusion that Europe was doing enough on security—be it economically or militarily.”

So, she concluded, “today we cannot afford any more illusions. The second half of the decade will be high risk. The war against Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East have set geopolitics in flux. Tensions are also running high in the Far East. We Europeans must be on guard. We must refocus our attention on the security dimension in everything we do. We must think about our Union as intrinsically
a security project.”

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called on August 30 for a greater European commitment to security and overcoming past unwillingness to provide for its own defense, repeatedly citing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as evidence the bloc must shed “illusions” and “think about our union as intrinsically a security project.”

Speaking in the Czech capital to attendees of the annual Globsec security conference, the returning head of the European Union’s executive arm laid out a staunch case for European solidarity against Russian and other threats and a “systemic overhaul of European defense,” warning that the next half of the decade would be “high risk.”

“If we want true peace, we must fundamentally rethink the foundations of Europe’s security architecture,” von der Leyen said. “Russia’s invasion has been an eye-opener for Europe.”

The 65-year-old German von der Leyen, who was endorsed for a fresh five-year term in July, vowed to appoint the bloc’s first “full-fledged defense commissioner” to the incoming European Commission, whose respective nominations from each of the 27 member states are ongoing.

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[roberatube_]

I don't understand why this lady talks only about Russia steps has she done to bring peace between the two countries???? This war will knock each door in Europe sooner or later!!! Mark my words❗❗❗❗❗

[PeterAtkin-bzef]

Y do all these people won't war as none of them would ever got to the front lines first can we please get some body with a sance and look for some way of making peace as as all these people have messed the world up 😢😢😢😢😢

[jinifferlorashakenniferlorasha]

The Polish Muslims have not yet been able to defeat the Muslims, so they had to break up their arms with the Polish army, by order of their stepfather's government.😂😂😂😂😂

[josephthompson]

eu now United States of Europe Countries VETOs gone on almost all laws regs

[avtandiljishiashvili]

Why is she talking like gay philosopher?!

Because she's not responsible to people...

Because she not elected...