During today's summit in London, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen called for a crucial increase in investment in defence.
"We must urgently defend Europe," she said,
stressing that "After a long underinvestment period, it is now absolutely crucial to increase defence spending for a long time. This is simply a question of the safety of the European Union."
Von der Leyen announced the presentation of a "comprehensive plan" at the Thursday EU Summit.
"We request to importantly increase our defence capabilities. We must act rapidly and on a large scale," she said after the talks in London.
She stressed that 1 component of the plan could be the improvement of advanced air defence systems.
On further support for Ukraine, the EC president highlighted:
"Safety guarantees are of the utmost importance. We must give Ukraine the chance to strengthen and defend itself from future threats. Basically, Ukraine should become a steel hedgehog, impossible to swallow for possible invaders”
Equally militantly, the EC president spoke on x.com.
On the way to London to item Europe's ongoing support for Ukraine, which can lead to a fair and lasting peace in Ukraine.
The way to peace is strength.
Weakness gives emergence to more war.
We will support Ukraine while taking action for European defence.
Von der Leyen besides proposed to suspend EU fiscal rules to let associate States to increase their defence spending.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced present a support package for Ukraine worth £1.6 billion, including the transportation of air defence missiles.
"We are determined to end Russia's war against Ukraine and guarantee stableness in Europe," said Starmer
