European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday called for a “stronger, more determined” Europe, urging increased defense spending and greater transatlantic cooperation to counter rising global threats, including Russia’s war in Ukraine and geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China.
Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, von der Leyen said Europe must adapt to a changing world, where “competing visions of the world order” are fueling instability. She warned against the rise of new spheres of influence and called for a more strategic approach to foreign policy.
“Our task here in Munich is not just to describe this new geopolitical landscape but to shape it,” she said. “We must be clear-eyed about what lies ahead—from a rogue Russia on our borders to challenges to our sovereignty and security.”
Ukraine at the Center of Europe’s Security Strategy
Von der Leyen reiterated the European Union’s commitment to supporting Ukraine, warning that a failure to do so would have global consequences. She contrasted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s pursuit of a “just and lasting peace” with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s continued aggression.
“It is up to him to show that he has given up his ambition to destroy Ukraine,” she said. “A failed Ukraine would weaken Europe, but it would also weaken the United States, intensify challenges in the Indo-Pacific, and embolden authoritarian regimes.”
The EU has provided €134 billion ($144 billion) in financial and military aid to Ukraine, including €52 billion ($56 billion) in military assistance, putting European military aid on par with that of the United States, she noted. Von der Leyen also highlighted the EU’s efforts to reduce its reliance on Russian energy and impose economic sanctions on Moscow.
Push for Increased Defense Spending
In a significant policy announcement, von der Leyen called for a major increase in European defense spending, arguing that the current levels—around 2% of GDP across EU member states—are insufficient.
“To ensure our security, we must move from just below 2% to above 3%,” she said, adding that this would require “hundreds of billions of euros in additional investment every year.”
To facilitate this, she proposed activating the EU’s “escape clause” to allow member states greater fiscal flexibility to boost defense budgets. She also pledged a coordinated European approach to defense investment, ensuring funds are directed toward shared security priorities.
Trade and Transatlantic Relations
Von der Leyen reaffirmed Europe’s commitment to its alliance with the United States but cautioned against policies that could harm economic ties. She criticized trade wars and punitive tariffs, warning they “act like a tax” that drives inflation and disrupts supply chains.
“We do not believe this is good business. And we want to avoid a global race to the bottom,” she said, adding that while the EU prefers negotiation, “unjustified tariffs on the EU will not go unanswered.”
Accelerating Ukraine’s EU Accession
Von der Leyen also pledged to accelerate Ukraine’s accession process to the European Union, emphasizing that Kyiv’s future lies within the European family.
“We have made significant progress, but now is the time to move mountains,” she said.
Europe’s Role in a Changing World
Closing her speech, von der Leyen emphasized that Europe must be more pragmatic, focused, and determined to defend its security and values.
“Our values do not change—they are universal,” she said. “But because the world is changing, we must adapt how we act. Europe must step up, make a difference, and rise to the moment.”
