European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen calls for increased joint EU defense spending and a stronger defense industry. She highlights Poland’s key role in ensuring European security amid hybrid threats.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated in Gdańsk, “We must increase joint funding for defense and for responding to hybrid threats.” She also emphasized that Europe needs a significant boost in its defense industry. But the key question remains—who will pay for it?
Von der Leyen pointed out that security is at the core of Poland’s presidency of the EU Council. “And rightly so. It has been three years since Putin’s war began. During this time, we have increased our defense production, but more needs to be done. More than ever, we must spend more, spend better, and spend together,” she said.
Her rhetoric has shifted, as the hybrid attacks on Poland’s eastern border began as early as late 2021. At the time, EU officials were less inclined to adopt the stance they now present.
Von der Leyen also addressed hybrid attacks at Poland’s border involving migrants. She stressed that Poland is not alone in dealing with this issue, as “this is a European challenge that requires European solutions.” She added, “It is we, Europeans, who decide who enters Europe and under what conditions—not Lukashenko or Putin, using smugglers and human traffickers.”
“We must therefore increase joint funding for defense and for responding to hybrid threats,” she emphasized.
She indicated that boosting defense spending might require utilizing European funds. “During your presidency, we will present proposals to increase this support,” she said, addressing Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
Von der Leyen further stated that “Europe needs a significant increase in its defense industry,” which calls for large-scale, advanced solutions and coordination among member states. “We need funding—both public and private. We need more cooperation for greater interoperability and cost reduction, as well as common rules for joint procurement and innovation,” she said.
She also announced the preparation of a “European preparedness strategy.”