European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called for urgent action to rearm Europe, stressing the need for a significant increase in defence investment to address growing security threats on the continent.
Speaking to reporters after a key meeting of European leaders in London, von der Leyen stressed the importance of strengthening Ukraine’s position in its ongoing conflict, calling for the EU to increase military and economic support, AA writes.
“We must urgently rearm Europe,” she said, stressing the need to provide “comprehensive security guarantees” for Ukraine.
She explained that such guarantees would be crucial to strengthening the country’s defence capabilities and stabilising its economy as it faces external aggression.
Von der Leyen stressed that the EU must be prepared for a long-term increase in defence needs, stressing the importance of “a massive increase in investment.”
“It is now of utmost importance to increase defence investment for the long term. This is crucial for the security of the European Union,” she said.
The European Commission President also highlighted the geostrategic challenges facing Europe in the current international environment.
“We must prepare for the worst,” she said, warning that the current security situation requires urgent and long-term measures.
The European Commission plans to present a detailed plan at a European Council meeting on Thursday, which will include concrete steps to strengthen the European defense strategy and ensure long-term stability.
Starmer after leaders’ summit: Guarantee the best outcome for Ukraine and protect European security
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who hosted the summit, said after it ended that European security needed to be protected.
“We must face this moment together. To guarantee the best outcome for Ukraine. To protect European security. And to secure our common future,” he said.
He confirmed that the United Kingdom, France and others had agreed to work with Ukraine “on a plan to stop the fighting.”
The plan will then be discussed with the United States, he said, “and that plan will be launched together.”
