Catenaa, Wednesday, December 5, 2024 – European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday urged a stronger focus on defense and economic resilience as the EU prepares for new leadership under her second term.
Von der Leyen, addressing lawmakers, called for accelerated defense spending amid ongoing geopolitical challenges, including Russia’s war in Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East. “We must be as ambitious as the threats are serious,” she said, highlighting plans to boost the bloc’s defense budget to rival Russian spending levels.
The European Parliament is expected to approve the incoming 27-member commission, which formally begins its mandate on Sunday. Notable appointments include Estonia’s Kaja Kallas as chief diplomat and Lithuania’s Andrius Kubilius to oversee defense strategy. Both are known for their critical stances on Russia.
Von der Leyen emphasized economic competitiveness, noting the need for robust industrial strategies to counter China’s influence and respond to rising U.S. protectionism. Trade policy will be led by Maros Sefcovic, while industrial strategy and green transition responsibilities go to Stephane Sejourne and Teresa Ribera, respectively.
The commission faces immediate challenges, including maintaining transatlantic security cooperation as Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House. Von der Leyen’s leadership, bolstered by pandemic-era joint borrowing and energy independence measures, positions the EU to address these pressing issues.
With escalating threats, von der Leyen stressed the urgency of action: “Our freedom and sovereignty depend more than ever on our economic strength and security.”
