EU chief calls for defense ‘surge’

STRASBOURG, France (AFP) — European Union (EU) chief Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday called for a “surge” in European defense spending, as the 27-nation bloc faces an aggressive Russia and faltering United States (US) support.

Addressing lawmakers in Strasbourg, Von der Leyen said Europe’s security order was “being shaken,” suggesting the continent could no longer rely on “America’s full protection.”

“The time of illusions is now over. Europe is called to take greater charge of its own defense,” the European Commission president told the EU’s parliament.

“We need a surge in European defense. And we need it now.”

Brussels has already sent a clear signal it is moving in that direction, with EU leaders last week endorsing a commission plan aimed at mobilizing up to 800 billion euros ($860 billion) to boost defense spending.

The defense plan proposes to provide members with EU-backed loans of up to 150 billion euros and eases fiscal rules to allow states to spend much more.

European governments are under pressure to step up on defense as US President Donald Trump questions whether the US — the guarantor of Europe’s security since World War II — should continue its central role in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

Trump’s pivot away from the US’ transatlantic partners comes as he seeks a rapprochement with Russia to end the Ukraine war — raising fears Kyiv could be forced into an unfavorable deal.

Stating that Russian President Vladimir Putin “cannot be trusted” but only “deterred,” Von der Leyen noted that the Kremlin was spending more on its military “than all of Europe combined.”

“We all wish we could live in more peaceful times. But I am confident that, if we unleash our industrial power, we can restore deterrence against those who seek to do us harm,” she said.