In the first 100 days of Ursula von der Leyen’s second mandate as President of the European Commission, she has faced a rapidly changing global landscape where longstanding certainties are eroding. She emphasized the urgency of the situation and the need for bold action to strengthen Europe in the face of threats to democratic values and sovereignty. Despite challenges posed by President Donald Trump’s disruptive policies and the shifting dynamics of transatlantic relations, von der Leyen maintains that the US is still an ally, though she acknowledges growing friction between the two sides.
Von der Leyen has called for Europe to take responsibility for its own defense and not rely solely on the US. She emphasized the importance of forming new partnerships and alliances with countries such as the United Kingdom, Norway, and Turkey, to bolster European security efforts. The European Commission chief highlighted the necessity of building stronger defense capabilities and rearming the continent to counter Russia’s expansionism, advocating for a more self-reliant and independent Europe.
In a significant shift in opinion, von der Leyen expressed openness to the idea of common debt for defense spending, a proposal that had previously faced resistance from certain EU member states. The Commission’s Rearm Europe plan, which aims to mobilize substantial defense spending, includes provisions for raising fresh loans to be allocated among member states. This willingness to consider common debt reflects a departure from past reluctance and a recognition of the need for increased defense funding in light of evolving security challenges.
As the EU looks to bolster its defense capabilities, the question arises of where to allocate spending. Von der Leyen has expressed a preference for a “Buy European” approach in defense procurement to increase self-reliance and promote the development of domestic industries. However, she also stressed the importance of balancing the need for rapid procurement with the goal of increasing purchases from European suppliers in order to strengthen the EU’s industrial base and foster cross-border cooperation.
In an effort to enhance the EU’s security preparedness, von der Leyen announced plans to establish a “Security College” where European Commissioners would receive regular updates from intelligence services on security developments. The College would cover a wide range of threats, including those related to energy, research, cyberspace, and foreign interference. By fostering a comprehensive understanding of security threats, von der Leyen aims to strengthen collective security efforts and ensure that Europe remains ahead of emerging risks.
While discussing defense and security priorities, von der Leyen also reaffirmed the EU’s unwavering support for Ukraine, highlighting the significant military assistance provided to the country. She stressed the importance of standing by Ukraine in times of crisis and expressed confidence in finding solutions through collaboration with President Zelenskyy. Despite limitations on NATO membership and conflicting views within the EU, von der Leyen emphasized the need to support Ukraine’s security and development, particularly in the face of ongoing challenges from Russia.
