The head of the European Commission calls on EU countries to prepare for a possible war

EC President Ursula von der Leyen said that to maintain peace in Europe it is necessary to invest in defense using budgetary funds EU.

Against the background of the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine and regular threats from Vladimir Putin, the European Union must prepare for a possible war and take action for joint weapons, she believes, voicing her opinion on Sunday, May 26, on the air of the German radio station Deutschlandfunk:

“Whoever speaks and acts like Putin does not want peace, but intends to continue,” she said on the German radio station Deutschlandfunk on Sunday, May 26.

Previously the head of the German Ministry of Defense, the head of the European Commission emphasized the importance of consistent support for Ukraine and at the same time strengthening its own defense capability:

“If we are to maintain peace on our continent, then we need to invest in defense.”

At the same time, the head of the EC, who intends to run for a second term as a candidate of the European People's Party (EPP), pointed to the “hybrid attacks” of the Russian Federation, including the recent removal of border markings on the border with Estonia, the use of migrants as a tool of confrontation with the EU and attempts to split Europeans using social networks.

Speaking about the defense capability of the European Union, writes DW, von der Leyen also noted the positive effects of this process on the European economy. As an example, she cited the proposal of Poland and Greece to create a joint air defense system:

“It is important that the billions we invest also create good jobs here in Europe.”

The head of the European Commission believes that financing of measures to strengthen defense capability should be carried out using budgetary funds coming from contributions from EU member states. The agreements establishing the European Union provide for a common defense policy, but do not provide for the financing of operational expenditures for military and defense purposes from the EU budget.

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