European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says Europe must bolster its defence capacities in the face of threats including Russia.
Speaking at the Royal Danish Military Academy in Copenhagen, von der Leyen said “Europe faces a fundamental choice about its future”.
“Do we keep reacting to each challenge in an incremental and cautious way, or are we ready to grasp this opportunity to build a more secure Europe, one that is prosperous, free and ready, willing and able to defend itself?” she asked.
Von der Leyen said European countries must take action to boost their defences by 2030 – a plan she dubbed “Readiness 2030” – including through increased defence spending.
“Rebuilding European defence will require massive investment, over a sustained period, both public and private,” she said.
