Alpha News

Ursula von der Leyen Calls for Faster EU Decision-Making in Defence

Published February 14, 2026, 14:19

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered a message for a more autonomous, decisive, and institutionally flexible Europe during her speech at the Munich Security Conference 2026. She highlighted the need for faster decision-making in the field of defence and security, advocating for the use of qualified majority voting instead of traditional unanimity. The President stated that Europe is facing a radically more unstable geopolitical environment, following Russian aggression against Ukraine, and increasing pressure on democracies and economies. She emphasized that the credibility of mutual defence depends directly on speed, trust between member states, and real military capabilities. Von der Leyen urged member states to activate the mutual assistance clause in the Union's defence, stating that it is not a political choice but a legal and strategic obligation. She also pointed out that old assumptions about European security have been overturned by Russia's aggression and attempts to destabilize democracies within the EU. Furthermore, she stressed the need for more flexible cooperation schemes in the field of defence, both within and outside existing NATO structures, citing the Joint Expeditionary Force and the 'Coalition of the Willing' as examples. In conclusion, her speech is a strong call for a more decisive and autonomous Europe in the field of defence, capable of facing increasing geopolitical challenges and ensuring the security of its member states.

Share:
Read Full Article on Alpha News

Similar Articles

You Might Also Like

Back to News