President Ursula von der Leyen attended the annual Munich Security Conference and delivered a speech describing a world with competing visions and a more transactional approach to global affairs. She emphasized the need for Europe to adapt to thrive in this new reality.
The EU is determined to become stronger, more competitive, and ready to defend itself. Von der Leyen stated: “We know a stronger Europe is better for all of us. A stronger Europe works with the United States to deter common threats,” said the President.
She warned against trade wars that would impact citizens on both sides of the Atlantic: “Tariffs act like a tax. They drive inflation. The hardest hit are inevitably workers, companies, and the middle class. On both sides of the Atlantic. And we know how quickly tariffs can affect essential transatlantic supply chains. This is not good business, and we want to avoid a global race to the bottom.”
President von der Leyen made it clear that the EU, as one of the worlds largest markets, will respond to unjustified tariffs and focus on protecting its economic interests, as well as those of its workers, businesses, and consumers.
Securing Ukraine and Europe
In her speech, the President addressed the war in Ukraine. She reminded that no one wants peace more than the Ukrainians and praised President Volodymyr Zelenskyys approach of constant work towards peace.
She contrasted this with Vladimir Putins approach: “President Putin says he is willing to meet, but on what terms? It is up to him to demonstrate that his interest is not to prolong this war. It is up to him to show that he has given up his ambition to destroy Ukraine,” she said.
Importantly, she warned that a failed Ukraine would weaken Europe and also weaken the United States, while also emboldening authoritarian leaders around the world who are watching closely if invasions and violations of national borders can go without consequence.
This is precisely why Europe has committed to supporting Ukraine. It has provided over €134 billion, more than anyone else – including $52 billion in military aid, on par with the United States. The EU has imposed unprecedented sanctions on Russia, rid itself of energy dependence, and will work to accelerate Ukraines accession process.
The President highlighted that despite some degree of confusion and concern, many of the comments by US officials in the last days align with what the EU wants: “Both the EU and the US want an end to the bloodshed. We want a just and lasting peace, one that leads to a sovereign and prosperous Ukraine. And Ukraine should be given solid security guarantees. But perhaps what resonates with me the most is the need for Europe not only to speak frankly but also to act accordingly. I believe that when it comes to European security, Europe has to do more,” she said.
According to the President, Europe will need to be bold and considerably increase defence investment. In light of this reality, she announced that the Commission will propose to activate the escape clause of the Stability and Growth Pact for defence investments to allow Member States to increase their defence spending.
“My message is: you see Europe adapting, Europe stepping up, Europe making a difference – immediately,” the President concluded.
Additionally, on the margins of the conference, President von der Leyen and European Council President, António Costa, met President Zelenskyy and reiterated the EUs commitment to Ukraine and its willingness to put Ukraine in a position of strength ahead of any future negotiation.
They restated to President Zelenskyy that Ukraine needs to be provided security guarantees and that the EU is ready to work to accelerate Ukraines accession process.
More information
Speech by President von der Leyen at the Munich Security Conference
Readout of the meeting between President von der Leyen, President Costa, and President Zelenskyy
Statement by President von der Leyen at a joint press point with Minister-President Markus Söder