Europe Must Be Responsible for Its Own Security, Says EU Chief

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the European Union has committed to 800 billion euros ($940 billion) in defense investment until 2030.
Europe Must Be Responsible for Its Own Security, Says EU Chief
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen speaks after the 25th EU–China summit in Beijing on July 24, 2025. Adek Berry/AFP via Getty Images
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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Dec. 17 that the post-war era of peace is gone and Europe must depend on itself and defend itself in an increasingly dangerous world.

Von der Leyen said in a speech to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France: “Europe must be responsible for its own security. This is no longer an option. It is a must.