Von der Leyen warns against attempts to weaken the EU from within

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has stated that the European Union faces a clear threat from external forces seeking to weaken the Union from within. At the Munich Security Conference, she warned that "some red lines have already been crossed" and that a return to the status quo is not possible.

In the area of European defense, she emphasized that the time has come to "revive" the mutual assistance clause enshrined in the EU's founding treaties. In her words, this is not a voluntary option, but an obligation of the member states – the principle of "one for all, all for one." At the same time, she stated that there should be no taboos when it comes to security issues.

Leyen also called for the formalization of existing ad hoc security cooperation and closer coordination with close partners such as the United Kingdom, Norway, Iceland, and Canada. According to her, Europe should take greater responsibility for its own security and strengthen cooperation in defense and the economy in order to protect democracy.

(reuters, sab)