President: European Commission to present bold defence strategy by March

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen has said that the European Commission will present a strategy by mid-March to strengthen the EU's defence and increase defence spending.

Von der Leyen made these remarks during a press conference in Warsaw, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

"We are preparing the strategy and will present it by mid-March," she stated. 

She noted that the strategy will include proposals for sourcing additional funds to boost defence spending. "We must spend more on defence, more effectively, and together," she added.

On February 3, the leaders of the 27 EU member states held an informal summit on defence. As a result, they tasked the European Commission and High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas with developing and presenting a strategy in the coming months to strengthen European defence and increase funding for it.

Moreover, von der Leyen noted that the EU will stand firm in defending its interests in relations with the US and will respond decisively if Washington imposes tariffs on European goods.

"We are ready to defend our interests if necessary. The EU is prepared to take strong action if the US imposes unfair tariffs on European products. The EU will respond firmly. We will be very steadfast in defending our principles," she added.

By Naila Huseynova