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Europe Must Defend Itself: Ursula von der Leyen Calls for $936B Military Investment Amid Russian Threat
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![Photo of Vlad Litnarovych]( "Photo of Vlad Litnarovych")
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered a stark warning, urging Europe to take full responsibility for its defense as Russia’s war on Ukraine grinds on and the Kremlin accelerates its military buildup, The Guardian reported on July 9.
“We cannot rely on others to defend Europe. The defense of Europe is our responsibility,” von der Leyen told lawmakers during a speech to the European Parliament.
Her remarks came just hours after Russia launched its largest drone attack of the war to date, targeting Ukrainian cities with over 700 aerial threats overnight. Von der Leyen condemned the assault, stressing that the war remains far from over.
“We see very clearly, the war still rages on, and the threat from Russia remains,” she said.
Von der Leyen outlined sweeping plans to strengthen Europe’s defense industry, including up to $936 billion in military investment and $175 billion in loans to support joint procurement programs across the European Union.
“It’s good for security, but not only,” she said. “It is also good for creating good jobs here at home.”
The European Commission President cautioned that failure to act swiftly could lead to a flight of strategic investment overseas. “With Russia rearming fast,” she said, “the more we wait, the more European investment will go abroad, outside the EU.”
Earlier, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has called on Alliance members to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP, citing Russia’s rapid militarization and the evolving global security landscape.
“We need to develop our defense industrial base. We must invest in cybersecurity, hybrid defense, and prepare our societies beyond the military sector,” he said. “Yes, these are substantial expenditures. But if we do not make them, we may find ourselves forced to learn the Russian language.”
