The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, was awarded the prestigious Charlemagne Prize on May 29 for her significant contribution to the unification of Europe. During the ceremony in Aachen, she urged EU countries to take decisive action, emphasizing the importance of determining the continent’s future independently, without external pressure and aggression.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Europe Must Be Resolute in Overcoming Challenges
In her speech, Ursula von der Leyen highlighted that the current era demands bold decisions from Europeans and a readiness to act in response to instability. She warned against illusions regarding a swift end to turbulent times, stressing that we must be prepared for change and not hope for a return to the past.
“We must accept the reality of the moment. We cannot sit idly by while upheavals unfold. We cannot allow the seismic changes we face to derail us. Nor can we fall into the delusion that the storm will pass. That everything will return to how it was before – if only the war ended, or a trade agreement was reached, or the next elections had a different outcome. No, that will not happen.”
The head of the European Commission emphasized that Europe must build its future independently, without external influence, and support countries that have chosen the path to the European Union.
EU Expands Support for Defense and Integration of New Countries
Von der Leyen pointed out the necessity of accepting countries that have made a “free, sovereign choice to join the EU,” particularly highlighting Ukraine, Moldova, and the countries of the Western Balkans. She stressed that this would be the next important step towards strengthening European independence.
At the same time, the President of the European Commission focused on Europe’s defense capabilities. She announced that the EU is providing member states with up to 800 billion euros to increase defense spending, which is intended to ensure readiness for potential threats.
On May 21, EU countries reached an agreement to establish the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) defense fund with a budget of 150 billion euros. This initiative was proposed in March 2025 and will allow for the allocation of up to 800 billion euros for additional defense spending in the coming years. According to the plan, 150 billion euros will be raised in the form of loans, particularly for the procurement of artillery, missiles, ammunition, drones, and drone defense systems.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, commenting on this initiative, urged European partners to prioritize procurement from the domestic defense industry.