„We have been discussing for a long time about a leaders’ format dedicated to ensuring the security of our continent, with partners such as Canada, Norway, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and others,” said U. von der Leyen.
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„Given the nature and scale of the emerging risks, this is now an even more urgent matter. That is why we will present our ideas on how to make the European Security Council a reality,” she added.
Europe has faced a campaign of hybrid attacks carried out by Moscow in recent years, aimed at undermining support for Ukraine.
„We should not harbor illusions about what is happening here: the hybrid threats facing Europe are becoming less hybrid and increasingly real threats,” said U. von der Leyen.
„Europe needs its own plan to respond to hybrid threats. We urgently need an agreement on how to react to certain incidents. Those that do not reach the level of armed aggression but clearly pose a threat to our national security,” she emphasized.
The EK president said she wants to establish an “emergency security assistance protocol” that would allow any EU member state to convene urgent talks in a crisis.
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Although the EU struggles to counter Russian activities, U. von der Leyen promised that as Russia intensifies bombings before winter, the Community will increase support to Kyiv.
„We will provide Ukraine with the greatest support in our history during the hardest winter of the war,” she said.
„Together with partners, we will provide humanitarian aid and strengthen Ukraine’s electricity and heating supply,” said the EK leader.
U. von der Leyen supported plans to jointly “create an affordable, modular missile defense system together with Ukraine.”
She said Europe will also intensify efforts to develop its core military capabilities and promised to create a “new European strategic tools instrument.”
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