Skip next section Von der Leyen demands ‘European awakening’ on defense
04/17/2024April 17, 2024
Von der Leyen demands ‘European awakening’ on defense
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Europe must take the “next leap forward” on defense in the next five years as it faces threats from an axis of authoritarian powers.
Speaking at a defense and security conference in Brussels before the EU summit, she pointed to a “new league of authoritarians,” including Russia, Iran and North Korea, that was looking to “stretch our democracies to breaking point.”
“This is why it is time for the European awakening on defense and security,” von der Leyen said.
“The threat of war may not be imminent, but it is not impossible,” she added. “We should be prepared. That starts with the urgent need to rebuild, replenish and transform member states’ armed forces.”
She said the bloc’s focus would be on emerging technology.
“We will focus on innovation to ensure Europe has that edge in the new technologies, which we see being deployed across the world in different conflicts,” the EU Commission chief said.
https://p.dw.com/p/4etCH
Skip next section Zelenskyy to address EU leaders
04/17/2024April 17, 2024
Zelenskyy to address EU leaders
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been invited to address the assembled European Union leaders via video link on Wednesday. He is expected to urge Ukraine’s allies to provide his country with more air defense systems.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Ukrainian president called for sufficient resolve and support from Western partners after killed at least 14 people.
He said his country lacked “sufficient” air defenses that could have stopped the strike.
“This would not have happened if Ukraine had received sufficient air defence equipment and if the world’s determination to resist Russian terror had been sufficient,” Zelenskyy said on social media.
https://p.dw.com/p/4et2N
Skip next section What is on the summit agenda?
04/17/2024April 17, 2024
What is on the summit agenda?
The EU summit, originally scheduled to be devoted to a thorough strategic review of the EU’s economic competitiveness, has been overshadowed by events in the Middle East. As a result, foreign policy discussions will kick off a two-day EU summit in Brussels.
With Iran’s unprecedented attack on Israel raising regional tensions and fears of a wider war, EU leaders will urge “all parties to exercise utmost restraint and refrain from any action that may increase tensions in the region,” according to a draft of their summit conclusions.
Earlier, EU top diplomat Josep Borrell said the bloc would also consider further sanctions against Iran.
Leaders should also reiterate their call for an immediate cease-fire in and the release of hostages, “as well as increasing humanitarian aid at scale to Palestinians in need.”
is also on the agenda, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expected to address the meeting via video link. He has previously asked allies for more Patriot missile systems.
The European leaders’ discussions on Thursday will focus on the bloc’s competitiveness in the face of growing competition from the United States and China.
Former Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta is to present a report on the future of the EU’s single market, the bloc’s economic regulatory system that allows goods, money, services and people to move freely across the 27 EU member states.
https://p.dw.com/p/4esyV
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