(MENAFN) European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has described Russian President Vladimir Putin as “a predator” who “can only be kept in check by a strong deterrence,” emphasizing the need for Europe to bolster its defense capabilities.

In a video address to the 5th European Defense and Security Conference on Tuesday, von der Leyen said that the ongoing war in Ukraine—now entering its fourth year—has highlighted the pressing need for Europe to enhance its military readiness and industrial resilience. “The defense of Europe is our responsibility. And we can feel the sense of urgency all across Europe,” she stated, noting that the Commission unveiled its Readiness 2030 strategy seven months ago to strengthen the EU’s defense structure.

Von der Leyen said she had witnessed “Russia and others ramping up pressure on Europe” during visits to frontline EU nations earlier this year, pointing to incidents such as attacks on border guards and suspected incursions into European airspace by Russian drones.

According to her remarks, 19 EU member states have applied for loans under the bloc’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) program—amounting to €150 billion ($175 billion)—to fund joint defense projects and reinforce European security. Another 16 countries have requested budget flexibility to raise defense spending, collectively reaching up to €800 billion by 2030.
She also announced that the upcoming “Defense Readiness Roadmap,” expected to be presented to the European Council later this month, will outline clear targets to achieve “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 concluded.

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