(MENAFN) European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday labeled Russian President Vladimir Putin “a predator,” saying he “can only be kept in check by a strong deterrence,” as she called on European nations to urgently strengthen their defense capabilities.

Speaking in a video address to the 5th European Defense and Security Conference, von der Leyen said the ongoing conflict in Ukraine — now entering its fourth year — has made it clear that Europe must enhance its military readiness and industrial capacity to ensure its own security.

"The defense of Europe is our responsibility. And we can feel the sense of urgency all across Europe," she said, recalling that the Commission unveiled its Readiness 2030 initiative seven months earlier to bolster both the EU’s defense posture and its industrial resilience.

The Commission chief noted that her recent visits to EU border states revealed “Russia and others ramping up pressure on Europe,” referencing incidents that included border attacks and suspected drone incursions into European airspace.

She said that 19 EU countries have so far sought financing through the bloc’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) mechanism, requesting a combined €150 billion ($175 billion) to support joint defense procurement and strengthen European security cooperation.

Von der Leyen also highlighted that 16 member states had applied for flexibility in their national budgets to expand defense spending — a move that could collectively reach €800 billion by 2030.

According to her, the upcoming Defense Readiness Roadmap, set to be presented to the European Council later this month, will outline clear milestones toward achieving “full defense readiness by 2030.”

"Together we must continue to move forward, with the urgency, consistency and determination we have shown so far. To defend our continent and to safeguard our future," von der Leyen said.

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