President Ursula von der Leyen attended the annual Munich Security Conference and gave a keynote speech in which she described a world with competing visions and a more transactional approach to global affairs. She stressed that Europe must change in order to thrive in this new reality.
As the Commission's actions have shown in the first weeks of its new mandate, the EU is committed become stronger, more competitive, and readier to defend itself: "We know a stronger Europe is better for all of us. A stronger Europe works with the United States to deter the threats we have in common as partners," the President said.
Precisely in that sense, she made a call to avoid trade wars that would only affect citizens on both sides of the Atlantic saying: "Tariffs act like a tax. They drive inflation. The hardest hit are inevitably workers, companies and the middle classes. On both sides of the Atlantic. And we know how quickly tariffs can affect essential transatlantic supply chains. We do not believe this is good business. And we want to avoid a global race to the bottom."
Nevertheless, President von der Leyen made clear that the EU, as one of the world's largest markets, will reply to unjustified tariffs and will focus on protecting its economic interests, as well as its workers, business, and consumers.
Achieving Ukraine's and Europe's security
In her speech, the President talked about the war in Ukraine. She reminded that no one wants more peace than the Ukrainians and she commended President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's approach of constant work towards peace.
She contrasted it with Vladimir Putin's 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.
Notably, she warned that a failed Ukraine would weaken Europe and would 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.
It is precisely for this that Europe has committed to support Ukraine. It has provided over €134 billion, more than anybody else – and that includes $52 billion in military aid, on par with the United States. The EU has imposed unprecedented sanctions on Russia, it has rid itself of its energy dependence, and it will work to accelerate the accession process of Ukraine.
The President highlighted that despite some degree of confusion and concern, many of the comments by US officials in the last days are in line 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 the face of this reality, she announced that the Commission will propose to activate the escape clause of the Stability and Growth Pact for defence investments in order 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, in the margins of the conference, President von der Leyen and European Council President, António Costa, met President Zelenskyy and reiterated the EU's 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 in order to accelerate Ukraine's accession process.
