At the CSU Transatlantic Forum, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called on Europe to further strengthen its defense industry. According to her, a strong defense base not only increases security, but also creates jobs and promotes innovation in the EU.
This is stated on the European Commission website.
The President of the European Commission spoke at the CSU Transatlantic Forum in Munich, emphasizing the importance of strengthening Europe's defense industry and strengthening the transatlantic partnership.
“We must further strengthen the defense-industrial base in Europe,” von der Leyen said.
She noted that this creates jobs, promotes innovation and increases the security of NATO and the EU. The President of the European Commission also noted the EU's successes in the field of defense: 800 billion euros were mobilized for European defense by 2025, in particular through the 100 billion euro SAFE joint procurement program. Von der Leyen stressed that two thirds of the products in these projects should come from Europe to support local industry.
In addition, she mentioned that the EU has provided Ukraine with a loan of 90 billion euros, two-thirds of which – 60 billion – are intended for defense spending. Von der Leyen emphasized that purchases should be made primarily in Ukraine or the EU, and only if impossible – abroad.
The President of the European Commission also emphasized the importance of the transatlantic partnership and the presence of American and European allies at the forum, calling this event an important tradition of the Munich Security Conference.