European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called on the EU to increase defense spending and noted that Russia spends up to 9% of its GDP on defense, while Europe spends an average of 1.9%. She stated this speaking before the approval of the new composition of the European Commission, reports UNN.
"The war is raging on the borders of Europe. And we must be prepared for what lies ahead — working hand in hand with NATO. We know that we have much more to do together as Europeans. Just one digit. Russia spends up to 9% of its GDP on defense. Europe spends an average of 1.9%. There's something wrong with this equation. Our defense spending should increase. We need a single market for defense. We need to strengthen the defense industrial base. We need to improve our military mobility," von der Leyen said.
She also noted that common European defense projects are needed.
Therefore, von der Leyen appointed former Lithuanian Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius as the first European Commissioner for Defense.
"We have to be as ambitious as the threats are serious. Therefore, we will present a White Paper (EU Defense strategy – ed.) on the future of European defense within the first 100 days. I can assure you that the security of Europe will always be the priority of this Commission," von der Leyen said.
Addition
The European Parliament approved the composition of the European Commission, the second under President Ursula von der Leyen, during the presentation of the program they also talked about the war of the Russian Federation against Ukraine.
Von der Leyen announced that the first initiative of the European Commission will be the competitiveness compass, designed to reduce Europe's innovation gap with the United States and China, increase security and independence and decarbonize.