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Von der Leyen calls for massive rearmament: Europe's security is in jeopardy!
On March 11, 2025, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for a massive increase in defense spending to strengthen European security in the European Parliament.
Von der Leyen calls for massive rearmament: Europe's security is in jeopardy!
In an urgent appeal to the EU states, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, emphasized the urgent need to increase defense spending in the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Tuesday. “The time for illusions is over,” she declared, calling for strong action to strengthen Europe’s military capabilities. In response to the threats from Russia and the withdrawal of US military aid to Ukraine, she presented the new “Plan for the Rearmament of Europe” (ReArm Europe), which envisages billions of dollars in defense investments. The total amount could reach up to 800 billion euros, like kosmo.at reports.
Von der Leyen explained that it is crucial to provide credible security guarantees for Ukraine and close the military supply gap. Their plans include not only easing European debt rules, but also reallocating money from the Cohesion Fund into defense projects. These measures are necessary to prevent Russia from continuing to act as a “hostile neighbor,” as she reiterated, and to ensure the security of the entire continent. The crisis summit of EU heads of state and government was supported by the proposals of von der Leyen, who now wants to present detailed financing proposals until the regular EU summit in March, according to this sn.at.
The upcoming moves to increase defense spending come amid heated debates within EU member states. While the FPÖ in Austria sharply criticizes the measures and warns that Europe is “pouring oil on the fire,” the ÖVP supports the rearmament as a necessary step in the spirit of European solidarity. The pressure on member states to develop effective defense strategies and intensify military cooperation is increasing. At the same time, numerous voices emphasize the urgency of investing in other areas such as infrastructure in order to safeguard the needs of society as a whole. The absolute focus on military spending has already been questioned by various political actors, further inflaming tensions within the EU.