Von der Leyen: A bankrupt Ukraine would weaken Europe, but it would also weaken the US

“A failed Ukraine would weaken Europe, but it would also weaken the United States,” said Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during her speech at the Munich Security Conference.

According to Ursula von der Leyen, “both the EU and the US want the bloodshed in Ukraine to stop” and stressed that both “want a just and lasting peace, a peace that leads to a sovereign and prosperous Ukraine, which should be given solid security guarantees.”

In her speech, the Commission President highlighted the “historic amounts” with which Europeans have supported Ukraine. “Economically and militarily, the total support amounts to 134 billion euros. This is more than anyone else has contributed,” she emphasized, noting that this amount includes 52 billion dollars in military aid—equal to that of the US. At the same time, she reminded of the “tough sanctions” imposed by the West on Russia’s economy, as well as the EU’s gradual disengagement from Russian natural gas. 

Continuing, Ursula von der Leyen estimated that Ukrainian President V. Zelensky is ready to work “for a peace that honors the sacrifice of his country and his fallen compatriots,” and stressed that Ukraine wants a “just and lasting peace” more than anyone else. On the other hand, she said, Russian President Putin says he is willing to meet, but we do not know the terms. “It is up to him to prove that his interest is not to prolong this war. It is up to him to show that he has abandoned his ambition to destroy Ukraine,” added von der Leyen.

“We are working with Ukraine on its accession to the EU because Ukraine is part of our European family, and this is where its future lies,” the Commission President then stated.  She emphasized that the Commission will intensify its work to accelerate Ukraine’s accession process to the EU. “We have already made significant progress, but now is the time to move mountains again,” said von der Leyen.  

The Commission will propose the activation of the escape clause for defense spending 

Regarding European security, the Commission President stressed that “Europe must do more” and to achieve this, it needs to increase defense spending which is currently just below 2% of GDP above 3% of GDP, and this means hundreds of billions more in investments every year. For this reason, Ursula von der Leyen announced that she would propose activating the Stability Pact escape clause for defense investments. “This will allow member states to significantly increase their defense spending,” she said, noting that this will be done “in a controlled and conditional manner.” Moreover, she said that the Commission would propose a broader package of customized tools to address the specific situation of each member state. She further emphasized that “for a huge Defense package, we need a European approach in setting our investment priorities,” and this will allow investments in defense projects of common European interest that are necessary. (14/2/2025)

PHOTO EPA/RONALD WITTEK