Ursula von der Leyen calls for European defense autonomy and mutual aid activation

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, speaking at the Munich Security Conference on February 14, 2026, stated that Europe must take greater responsibility for its own defense. She emphasized that while the continent has relied on the United States for decades, the current geopolitical environment, marked by Russian aggression, necessitates a radical shift. Von der Leyen called for the activation of the EU’s mutual defense clause under Article 42(7) to ensure collective security among member states. To enhance decision-making efficiency, she proposed utilizing qualified majority voting instead of the traditional requirement for unanimity. The President outlined a strategic goal for Europe to achieve a credible defense by 2030, focusing on space, intelligence, and deep-strike capabilities. She argued that a stronger European defense pillar would ultimately strengthen the transatlantic alliance. These proposals follow concerns regarding potential US disinvestment in NATO and the need for preparedness against future conflicts.