“We find ourselves in an era of rearmament, and Europe is prepared to significantly increase its defense expenditures,” stated Von der Leyen.
The proposed initiative, titled “ReArm Europe,” could potentially mobilize nearly EUR 800 billion to foster a secure and resilient Europe.
“We will maintain close collaboration with our NATO partners. This is a pivotal moment for Europe, and we are ready to rise to the challenge,” Von der Leyen told reporters in Brussels.
The announcement coincides with Washington’s decision to halt all military aid to Ukraine, shortly after US President Donald Trump engaged in a dispute with Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office.
Von der Leyen floated the rearmament plan following a private meeting on Ukraine at Lancaster House in London over the weekend.
Edited by: Farah Bagat
