“The EU spends many times less than Russia on defense: von der Leyen calls for action The head of the European Commission called for an increase in EU defense spending, which amounts to 1.9% of GDP compared to 9% in Russia. The first European defense commissioner has been appointed to strengthen Europe’s military potential.”, — write on: unn.ua
“The war is raging on the borders of Europe. And we must be ready for what lies ahead – working hand in hand with NATO. We know that we have to do much more together as Europeans. Just one figure. Russia spends up to 9% of its Europe spends 1.9% on defense. Our defense spending needs to increase. We need to strengthen the defense industry base. We need to improve our military mobility,” von der Leyen said.
She also noted that joint European defense projects are needed.
That is why von der Leyen appointed the former Prime Minister of Lithuania Andrius Kubilius as the first European Commissioner for Defense.
“We must be as ambitious as the threats are serious. That is why we will come out with 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 a priority of this commission.” , – said von der Leyen.
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 Russia’s war 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 US and China, increase security and independence, and implement decarbonization.