Von der Leyen says Europe must build defense union

Ursula von der Leyen who hopes to be re-elected as European Commission (EC) President, has vowed to build a true European Defense Union in her political program published by the EC, Report informs.

“We must give Ukraine everything it needs to resist and prevail. This implies making fundamental choices for our future. For the first time in decades, our freedom is under threat. It is our responsibility to do all that is necessary to protect our European citizens. Protecting Europe is Europe's duty. I believe now is therefore the time to build a true European Defence Union. Yes, I know there are some who are perhaps uncomfortable with the idea,” read the document.

Von der Leyen also noted that NATO will remain the pillar of Europe’s collective defense.

“Our spending on defense is too low and ineffective. Our foreign spending is too great. We must therefore create a single market for defence. We must invest more in high-end defense capabilities. In other words, Europe must continue along the path laid down by the Versailles Declaration. We need to invest more. We need to invest together. And we must set up common European projects. For example, a comprehensive aerial defense system – a European Air Shield, not only to protect our airspace but as a strong symbol of European unity in defense matters,” Von der Leyen stressed.

“And we must also do more to secure our external borders. Our Eastern Border in particular has become a target for hybrid attacks and provocations. Russia is luring migrants from Yemen up north and pushing them deliberately against the Finnish border. We should always keep in mind that a Member State's border is a European border. And we will do everything we can to make them stronger. This is part of the reason why we must strengthen Frontex. To make it more effective, while fully respecting fundamental rights, I will propose to triple the number of European border and coastguards to 30,000,” the European official said.