Europe Must Step Up on Security Responsibilities: EU Chief

Europe must take greater responsibility for its own security, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, calling for a stronger and more self-reliant defense framework.

“Europe needs to step up and has to take on its responsibility” for its security, von der Leyen said, acknowledging that Europe’s security “has not always been seen as our primary responsibility.” She stressed the need to develop a “European backbone” of strategic enablers, including capabilities in space, intelligence, and deep strike systems.

“No taboo can go unchallenged,” she added, pointing to the European Union’s collective commitment to mutual defense in the event of aggression. “I believe the time has come to bring Europe’s mutual defense clause to life.”

Her remarks come as Europe pursues what leaders describe as a historic rearmament effort aimed at ensuring credible defense readiness by 2030, amid concerns over potential reductions in US engagement in NATO and continuing tensions with Russia.