The speech at the Danish Army's Officer School in Copenhagen is held ahead of Wednesday's major presentation of a new white paper on Europe's defense and concrete details in the upgrade proposals that Ursula von der Leyen launched at the beginning of March.
We must see the world as it is – and we must act immediately to handle it, notes the Commission President.
Among other things, the importance of increased defense investments, increased cooperation with Ukraine, and more investments in "buying European" on the defense side are emphasized.
If Europe wants to avoid war, Europe must prepare for war, says von der Leyen.
Before 2030, Europe must have upgraded and developed capacity to have a credible deterrent capability.
Although Russia is mentioned as the primary threat, von der Leyen also brings up the US's sudden claims on Greenland – albeit without mentioning either the US or President Donald Trump by name.
To all on Greenland – and in Denmark as a whole – I want to be clear that Europe will always stand up for independence and territorial integrity, says von der Leyen.
