The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der leyenhas launched an unprecedented appeal for the rearmament of the European Union, declaring that “peace in our union can no longer be taken for granted”. In his intervention at the plenary of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Von der Leyen mentioned Alcide De Gasperiremembering the need for a common defense for Europe, not as an instrument of aggression, but as a deterrent against any external threats.
“Alcide De Gasperi said: We only need peace between us, but to build a common defense. It is not a question of threatening or conquering, but of discouraging any attack from the outside, moved by hatred against a united Europe. This is the task of our generation. Seventy years have passed, but our generation is faced with the same identical task, “said the President of the Commission.
According to Von der Leyen, the EU rearmament represents a response to European security crisis It is a necessity to guarantee stability on the continent. «We know that it is in the crisis that Europe has always been built. This is the moment of peace through strength, “he said.
Rearmeu: the plan for a common defense
In his speech, Von der Leyen outlined the outlines of Rearm European initiative destined to strengthen the EU defense capacity. Among the proposed measures, the Commission offers Member States the possibility of redirection funds of cohesion not engaged towards defense projectsincluding Infrastructure, research and development.
«Member States will have the opportunity to redirect some of their funds not engaged towards defense projects. It could be infrastructure or research and development. It is a voluntary choice, “said Von der Leyen, underlining that the final decision will be up to Parliament and the Council.
In parallel, Rearm Europe will aim for mobilize private investments thanks to the collaboration with the European Investment Bank (Bei) and to the institution of theUnion of savings and investmentsa measure intended to strengthen the financial base of European defense.
“Allow me to add that all this will also have positive repercussions for our economy and competitiveness,” explained Von der Leyen, highlighting how the defense industry can contribute to European economic growth.
Towards a European defense union
Von der Leyen’s speech marks a paradigm change in the European project, carrying out the idea of anEuropean Defense Union capable of guaranteeing collective safety through greater military and industrial cooperation.
«We would all like to live in quiet times. But I am confident that, if we free our industrial power, we can restore deterrence against those who try to damage us. It is time to build a European defense union that guarantees peace in our continent through unity and strength “.
The appeal of the President of the Commission arrives at a time when global geopolitical tensions place Europe in the face of new challenges. The prospect of a stronger and more militarily prepared union could redefine the role of the EU on the international scene, consolidating its strategic autonomy and the ability to respond to threats independently.
With Rearm Europe, Brussels is preparing to take a decisive step in the construction of a common defense, rewriting the very concept of continental security in an era in which stability can no longer be taken for granted.