Stressing the need for stronger European defense capabilities, she added, “Europe must be responsible for its own security. This is no longer an option. This is a must. We need to be ready.”
“There is no more important act of European defense than supporting Ukraine’s defense. The next days will be a crucial step for securing this,” von der Leyen said.
“So our task at this week’s summit is to show that we are focused on our own strategy and our own interests and our own priorities.”
Thursday’s summit is crucial for Europe and for Ukraine, and the most pressing, unresolved issue is that of whether to grant Ukraine access to frozen Russian assets to bankroll its war efforts. Belgium, where the majority of those assets are held, is holding out against using them, fearing it would be on the hook to repay the full amount if Russia attempted to claw back the money.
In her speech to MEPs, von der Leyen said the majority of the cash that Ukraine needs to continue funding its war effort must come from Europe: “The IMF and our estimates show that Ukraine’s needs for the years 2026 and 2027 are around €137 billion. Europe should cover two-thirds, that is €90 billion.”
The Commission chief also talked about the EU’s need to boost competitiveness while driving diversification and strengthening supply chains, saying that “Europe’s era of independence must be unstoppable.”