European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for Europe to rapidly re-arm to achieve a "credible deterrence" by 2030. Speaking at the Royal Danish Military Academy in Copenhagen, she stressed the need for a robust European defense posture amid rising security concerns.
Von der Leyen highlighted that being "prepared by 2030" means rearming and developing capabilities for credible deterrence, supported by a strategic defense industry base. She urged increased defense spending, noting that EU member states' defense expenditures have already risen by over 31% since 2021.
The Commission has presented a plan to allocate 800 billion euros in defense investments, including a new instrument called SAFE, potentially unlocking 150 billion euros for member states to facilitate joint acquisitions. Von der Leyen also emphasized the importance of supporting Ukraine, with the EU already providing 50 billion euros in military aid. She noted Russia's expanding military production capacity and preparation for potential confrontation with European democracies.