Europe Must Be Responsible for Its Own Security, Says EU Chief

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the European Union has committed to 800 billion euros ($940 billion) in defense investment until 2030.

12/17/2025|Updated: 12/17/2025

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Dec. 17 that the post-war era of peace is gone and Europe must depend on itself and defend itself in an increasingly dangerous world.

Von der Leyen said in a speech to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France: “Europe must be responsible for its own security. This is no longer an option. It is a must.