Von der Leyen: “Europe must be ready for hybrid warfare. We have invested 800 million in Defense. Our freedom is at stake.”

The European Union must fully assume responsibility for its own security. «It is no longer a political choice nor a strategic option: it is an imperative», declared the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, reiterating how the international context demands rapid and structural decisions on the security and defense front.

According to the President, the starting point is now evident: «Europe must be responsible for its own security». A principle that marks a profound paradigm shift from the past, when the protection of the continent was often delegated to external allies. Today, von der Leyen emphasized, «we know the threats we face and we will face them», as they are concrete risks, constantly evolving, requiring coordinated and lasting responses.

New threats and hybrid warfare: the European response

In her speech, the President of the Commission highlighted how the European Union is called to confront a new form of conflict. «We must develop and deploy new capabilities to counter this new form of hybrid and modern warfare», she stated, referring to a scenario characterized by technological, unconventional, and highly complex elements.

Von der Leyen recalled that, after decades of underinvestment, Europe is finally changing course. «We are transforming our defense industrial and technological base into a system capable of developing and delivering cutting-edge technologies», a step deemed essential to strengthen the Union's strategic autonomy and its deterrence capability in the face of new threats.

Unprecedented investments in European defense

The year 2025 represents a true turning point for European defense. «This year we have done more for defense than in the previous ten years», von der Leyen declared. Over the last decade, the European Union has invested about 8 billion euros in the European Defense Fund, while just this year up to 800 million euros have been committed in investments with a perspective reaching 2030.

Particularly significant, according to the President, was the success of the SAFE Europe program. «We have seen how much our SAFE program has been in demand», she explained, noting that applications submitted by 18 member states far exceeded the initial 150 million euros available. «Everyone is asking for new waves of the SAFE program», a signal that, in her view, clearly demonstrates Europe's concrete commitment to strengthening its security.

Defense, freedom, and independence: a strategic choice

Von der Leyen wanted to clarify that strengthening European defense does not concern exclusively the military dimension. «This growth in defense is not just military», she stated, addressing the European deputies. «Our freedom, our prosperity, and above all, our independence are at stake».

Security thus becomes a fundamental pillar not only for the protection of European citizens but also for the economic stability, democratic resilience, and international credibility of the Union. «We must do more, we must act swiftly», concluded the President, reiterating that a stronger Europe in terms of defense is a more autonomous, aware, and ready Europe to face the global challenges of the present and the future.