Von der Leyen says Europe must be ready to defend itself “at all times”

MUNICH — European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Saturday that Europe must be prepared to defend itself “at all times,” warning that mounting geopolitical tensions and external pressure on democratic systems demand greater strategic independence.Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, von der Leyen said Europe faces “the very distinct threat of outside forces trying to weaken our union from within,” alongside intensifying global rivalry affecting territory, technology regulation and economic power.“Fundamentally, all of this points to a simple reality in today’s fractured world, Europe must become more independent. There is no other choice,” she said, adding that independence must extend to defense, energy, trade, raw materials and digital technology.Von der Leyen rejected suggestions that stronger European autonomy would undermine transatlantic ties, arguing instead that “an independent Europe is a strong Europe, and a strong Europe makes for a stronger transatlantic alliance.”She highlighted the bloc’s defense efforts since Russia’s war on Ukraine, noting that European military spending in 2025 rose nearly 80% compared with prewar levels.“The time has come to bring Europe’s mutual defense clause to life,” she said, describing collective defense under Article 42.7 of the EU treaty as “not an optional task” but a binding commitment.Von der Leyen also called for faster decision-making on security matters, suggesting the European Union may rely more frequently on qualified majority voting instead of unanimity to accelerate action.She urged closer cooperation with partners outside the bloc, particularly the United Kingdom, saying that “10 years from Brexit, our futures are as bound as ever,” and called for deeper coordination on security, democracy and economic resilience.Drawing lessons from Ukraine’s battlefield experience, she said industrial capacity and innovation now play a decisive role in modern warfare, noting that drones account for “around 80% of battlefield damages on both sides.”Europe must therefore strengthen defense production and invest in dual-use technologies such as artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing, she added.“Some ask whether we can afford this, but I say we cannot afford not to,” von der Leyen said, arguing that sustained defense investment is essential to safeguard “peace and freedom.”