Von der Leyen to create new EU Defence Commissioner role

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen has said that the EU must develop its own defence mechanisms to protect and deter potential adversaries, despite the existence of NATO.

Von der Leyen emphasised at a security conference in Prague that while NATO should remain central to collective defence, the EU needs its own means for self-defence and deterrence, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

She stressed that this effort is not about duplicating NATO's functions but rather about ensuring Europe's security. Von der Leyen also confirmed plans to establish a European Commissioner for Defence in the new Commission set to be formed this fall, calling it a strategic responsibility for Europe.