The President of the European Union Commission, Ursula von der Leyen has used her State of the Union address to push for greater EU military capabilities
The EU Commission President says she wishes for the EU to be part of the global solution… and her comments follow the recent withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan.
After the Afghan pull-out, the President believes the EU needed the “political will” to intervene without the assistance and guidance of the US led NATO.
The European Union has historically relied on the NATO alliance for any military missions and action.
The rapid collapse of Kabul has recently reignited the conversation about the EU’s ability to stand on its own two feet and drive its own defence policy
The president’s announcement follows the German Defence Minister saying earlier this month that the EU should become “a strategic player to be reckoned with”.
French President Emmanuel Macron has also made similar calls in the past.
Meanwhile, Ursula von der Leyen believes it’s time for the EU defence union.
