Von der Leyen calls for Europe's independence from US and Ukraine's EU membership
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen (Getty Images)
Europe must assert its independence by significantly increasing defense spending and admitting Ukraine into the European Union, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said during a speech upon receiving the Charlemagne Prize for European unity, Politico reports.
"I am deeply convinced that history is calling on us now. Just like back in 1989, when the winds of change swept through Europe," von der Leyen said.
She emphasized that Europe must free itself from dependence on the United States and other external powers, stressing the need to shape its own future independently.
The head of the European Commission outlined four key tasks to achieve Europe's independence:
- Ensuring peace through increased defense spending.
- Strengthening innovation and competitiveness to stimulate growth, which is necessary to boost Europe's economic development.
- Expanding the EU to include Ukraine, the Western Balkans, Moldova, and Georgia as part of "a historic reunification."
- Renewing and strengthening democracy to protect member states from internal and external threats.
"We are doing this because we want to defend peace with all our might … A new international order will emerge before the end of this decade. If we do not want to simply accept the consequences of this for Europe and the world, then we must shape this new order," von der Leyen stated.
Ukraine's EU accession
In February 2022, just days after Russia launched its full-scale invasion, Ukraine officially applied for EU membership. Later, the EU granted Ukraine candidate status, and in December 2023 officially allowed the start of accession negotiations.
Ukraine continues to implement Brussels' recommendations for integration into the European system. According to Verkhovna Rada Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk, Ukraine's parliament (Verkhovna Rada) plans to pass laws related to European integration at an accelerated pace.
Earlier, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the first negotiation cluster with Ukraine could open in early 2025, with other clusters following throughout the year.
However, Hungary is currently blocking the opening of negotiation clusters regarding Ukraine's EU membership.
