Russia has issued a warning in response to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s plans for a new defence union, describing the European Union as increasingly militarized and confrontational.
Von der Leyen, who secured a second term in office following a European Parliament vote, outlined her vision to establish a European Defence Union within the next five years. Emphasizing initiatives like a “European Air Shield and cyber defence,” she pledged to utilize regulatory and financial tools to expedite projects on European soil.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov criticized von der Leyen’s proposal, interpreting it as a shift in priorities towards militarization and heightened tension. He asserted that such moves reflect European states’ reliance on confrontational methods in foreign policy, which Russia views with concern.
“While Russia does not pose a threat to the EU, actions by member states concerning Ukraine have hindered dialogue and disregarded Russia’s concerns,” Peskov remarked, underscoring the prevailing diplomatic challenges.
Von der Leyen, who garnered 401 votes in the 720-seat European Parliament, campaigned on a platform emphasizing European security amid uncertainty. She reaffirmed the EU’s support for Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia and criticized Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s recent visit to Moscow as appeasement.
In addition to security measures, von der Leyen pledged to address Europe’s housing crisis, bolster the EU’s border agency Frontex, and combat disinformation with dedicated resources.
As leader of the European Commission since 2019, von der Leyen represents the largest political group in Parliament, the conservative European People’s Party, in coalition with the Socialists and Democrats and the liberal Renew Europe groups.
With her re-election secured, von der Leyen now prepares to name her next cabinet of commissioners to steer EU policy forward.
