European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday presented a plan to boost Europe’s defense industry and increase military capabilities.

“We are in an era of rearmament, and Europe is ready to massively boost its defense spending,” Von der Leyen said.

She said the plan, dubbed “ReArm Europe,” could mobilize around €800 billion ($841.5 billion).

“We will continue working closely with our partners in NATO. This is a moment for Europe and we are ready to step up.” Von der Leyen told reporters in Brussels. 

The announcement comes after Washington suspended all military aid to Ukraine, days after US President Donald Trump clashed with Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Oval Office.

Von der Leyen had suggested the rearmament plan after emerging from the closed-door meeting on Ukraine at Lancaster House in London over the weekend.

More to follow…

Edited by: Farah Bagat