Von der Leyen urges Europeans to show courage amid military expansion plans

In an address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that Europeans will face "difficult decisions" in the coming weeks as the EU moves forward with its ambitious plans for military expansion.

She warned that "courage" would be necessary to make a breakthrough in the ongoing arms race, which she described as crucial for the "military containment" of Russia, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Von der Leyen explained that the EU must take decisive action to militarize Europe, stating, "In the coming weeks and months, Europeans will need more courage, difficult decisions lie ahead."

The Commission chief argued that a "breakthrough" was essential to the continent's security, stressing that this militarization is a pressing need, one that will require determination and bold choices from member states.

As part of the European Commission’s proposed €800 billion plan for the next four years, von der Leyen noted that the majority of the funding for these military investments would come from EU countries' national budgets, with member states also required to secure independent loans. The financial burden of this initiative will be substantial, as countries are expected to shoulder much of the cost of the EU's military ambitions.

For the record, this proposal comes at a time when the EU has already taken steps to enhance its defense posture, but it signals an even deeper integration of military resources across Europe. 

By Khagan Isayev