EU Commission Urges Boost in Arms Production Amid Geopolitical Threats

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has emphasized the need for increased arms production in response to geopolitical threats, particularly Russia's war on Ukraine. Addressing the GLOBESEC forum, she called for a stronger European defense pillar within NATO and highlighted the high-risk nature of the current decade.

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed the need for bolstering arms production capacities across Europe, citing mounting geopolitical threats, particularly Russia's ongoing war on Ukraine.

Speaking at the GLOBESEC security forum in Prague, von der Leyen declared, "Protecting Europe is first and foremost Europe's duty." She emphasized that while NATO remains the cornerstone of collective defense, Europe must elevate its defense capabilities.

Von der Leyen also criticized the earlier complacency regarding Europe's security measures and underscored the urgent need to consider the EU as a security project, especially given the high-risk landscape of the second half of the decade.

(With inputs from agencies.)