Globsec: EU chief calls for systemic overhaul of Europe’s defence
“If we want true peace, we must fundamentally rethink the foundation of Europe's security architecture,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a keynote speech at the Globsec security conference in Prague. The EU chief said that while she could not overemphasize the importance of the US' support for Ukraine since the start of the war, she said protecting Europe is first and foremost Europe's duty.
“While NATO must remain the centre of our collective defence, we need a much stronger European pillar,” von der Leyen said, stressing that innovation and competitiveness are not only an essential part of Europe’s future prosperity, but they are also an essential and crucial part of its long-term security. The EC president spoke of the need for a systemic overhaul of Europe's defence, and announced that she would appoint a fully-fledged Defence Commissioner in the next Commission.
Ursula von der Leyen also stressed the importance of continued support for Ukraine, saying that those who argue to stop support for the country do not argue for peace, but for appeasement and the subjugation of Ukraine.
Another keynote speaker at the conference, Czech President Petr Pavel, echoed those sentiments, saying that there is still room for greater effectiveness in helping Ukraine, strengthening anti-Russian sanctions and weakening the ability of Russian industry to support the war.
"We live in an increasingly conflict-ridden world. Yet I still firmly believe that an international order based on rules and cooperation is beneficial not only for the West but for all members of the international community," the Czech president said.
He also stressed the need for Europe to increase its competitiveness, saying that although the Old Continent remains a leader in many areas, it is falling behind the United States, some Asian countries and India in a number of technology sectors. "It is time to recognize that our technological competence and development strongly shapes our geopolitical relevance and the security of our citizens," Mr. Pavel said, praising the creation of the new GeoTech Center, a platform aimed at fostering greater cooperation between governments and businesses in Europe, the US and democratic countries the world over.
The three-day Globsec international conference is hosting around ten prime ministers and presidents, along with twenty defense and foreign ministers from across Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. This year's main theme, "How to Calm the Storm," focuses on security and international relations.
