In her address following a narrow vote confirming her second term as the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen stressed the urgent need for Europe to ramp up its defense spending. With Europe facing mounting geopolitical tensions, particularly with Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, von der Leyen called for a significant increase in defense budgets across EU member states.
The European Commission under von der Leyen’s leadership faces critical challenges, including the ongoing war in Ukraine, the climate crisis, and economic uncertainty. Von der Leyen’s call for an increase in defense spending comes as she highlighted the alarming gap between Europe’s defense budget and that of Russia. While Russia allocates nearly 9% of its GDP to defense, Europe’s average defense spending remains significantly lower, at just 1.9%.
Von der Leyen’s Appeal for Stronger EU Defense Strategy
In her speech, von der Leyen stated, “Something is wrong in the equation when Russia spends 9% of its GDP on defense, and Europe averages just 1.9%. We are facing a war on our borders, and we must be prepared for what lies ahead.” She emphasized the need for stronger military cooperation with NATO and outlined plans to bolster the EU’s defense industry. The Commission is set to work on joint defense projects to ensure that Europe remains competitive in the face of global security challenges.
Von der Leyen’s remarks were timely as European Parliament lawmakers confirmed her team by a narrow vote of 370 in favor, 282 against, marking the closest margin in the history of the EU’s parliamentary approval process for the European Commission. This confirmation ushers in a new era of leadership at the European Commission, with von der Leyen’s team set to face a complex international landscape.
Internal EU Dynamics and Political Divisions
The vote was accompanied by heated debates, underscoring the increasing polarization within the European Parliament. The European People’s Party (EPP), the largest political group in the Parliament, and the Socialists joined forces to support von der Leyen’s leadership, despite opposition from the Greens and some nationalist factions. The confirmation also highlighted the growing influence of more right-wing populist forces in EU politics.
The Rising Threat of Russia and the Need for European Unity
As Russia continues its offensive in Ukraine, the EU faces difficult decisions regarding defense and security. Von der Leyen stressed that European security cannot be overlooked in favor of climate policies, despite the urgent environmental crisis facing the continent. Her speech, while reiterating support for the European Green Deal, also placed a strong emphasis on strengthening Europe’s economy and defense capabilities, which she believes are essential for long-term prosperity.
At the same time, von der Leyen underscored Europe’s commitment to expansion, particularly in the Western Balkans, Ukraine, and Moldova. Despite Russian attempts to thwart the EU’s influence, she reiterated that Europe would support these countries as they work toward integration based on merit.
