EU Commission Chief Calls for Greater Strategic Self-Reliance

(MENAFN) The continent must maintain constant defensive readiness as mounting geopolitical pressures and external attacks on democratic institutions demand greater strategic self-reliance, the European Commission chief declared Saturday.

At the Munich Security Conference, President Ursula von der Leyen warned that the continent confronts "the very distinct threat of outside forces trying to weaken our union from within," coupled with escalating worldwide competition spanning territorial disputes to technology governance.

"Fundamentally, all of this points to a simple reality in today's fractured world, Europe must become more independent. There is no other choice," she emphasized, noting that autonomy must encompass military capabilities, energy supplies, commerce, critical minerals, and digital infrastructure.

Von der Leyen dismissed claims that enhanced European self-sufficiency could undermine Atlantic cooperation, asserting "an independent Europe is a strong Europe, and a strong Europe makes for a stronger transatlantic alliance."

Spotlighting the bloc's military investments since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, she reported European defense expenditures in 2025 climbed nearly 80% above pre-conflict figures.

"The time has come to bring Europe's mutual defense clause to life," she stated, characterizing collective protection under Article 42.7 of the EU treaty as "not an optional task" but a mandatory obligation.

Von der Leyen advocated for accelerated security decision-making, proposing the EU may increasingly utilize qualified majority voting instead of unanimous consent to expedite responses.

She additionally pressed for tighter collaboration with non-member partners, especially the UK, noting that "10 years from Brexit, our futures are as bound as ever," and advocating enhanced alignment on security, democratic values, and economic strength.

Extracting insights from Ukraine's combat operations, she underscored that manufacturing output and technological advancement prove critical in contemporary conflict, observing that drones currently represent "around 80% of battlefield damages on both sides."

Europe must consequently bolster defense manufacturing and dual-purpose technologies including artificial intelligence and cutting-edge production systems, she maintained.

"Some ask whether we can afford this, but I say we cannot afford not to," von der Leyen concluded, contending that defense investment remains vital to protecting "peace and freedom."

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