06.03.2025 17:02
After French President Macron's statement, "Russia has become a threat to everyone. We will hold a meeting with all European commanders next week," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made a supportive statement. Leyen stated that she would present the ReArm Europe plan to the leaders, saying, "Through this plan, we will rearm both the EU and Ukraine, which is fighting for its existence."
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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated in a press release before the extraordinary EU Leaders' Summit on "Ukraine and Defense" held in Belgium that she would present the "ReArm Europe" plan to the leaders, saying, "With this plan, we will not only rearm the EU but also arm Ukraine, which is fighting for its existence."
EU LEADERS GATHERED FOR UKRAINE
European Union (EU) leaders made statements to the press before the extraordinary EU Leaders' Summit on "Ukraine and Defense" in Brussels, the capital of Belgium. EU Council President Antonio Costa, who held a press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, said, "Today, we are at a very important moment in terms of building Europe's security in the European Union Council. If you remember, we had a very important brainstorming session months ago, and now we are here to make decisions and take concrete steps."
"A STRONGER EUROPEAN DEFENSE STRENGTHENS UKRAINIAN DEFENSE"
Noting that Europe's security and defense cannot be separated from Ukraine's security and defense, Costa stated, "A stronger European defense strengthens Ukraine's defense. Increasing Ukraine's defense capacity is also very important for strengthening our own defense."
"EUROPE FACES AN OPEN THREAT"
Following Costa, European Commission President von der Leyen said, "This is a turning point for Europe. It is also a turning point for Ukraine, which is part of the European family. Europe is facing an open and present threat, and therefore Europe needs to be able to protect and defend itself. Similarly, we need to put Ukraine in a position to defend itself and strive for a fair and lasting peace."
MILITARY SUPPORT PLAN OF UP TO 800 BILLION EUROS
In today's meeting, von der Leyen announced that she would present the "ReArm Europe" plan to the leaders, stating that the "ReArm Europe" plan provides support of up to 800 billion euros for defense investments. It provides financial space for member states to make defense investments. It offers member states the opportunity to invest in Ukraine's defense industry or to supply military capacity directly to Ukraine," she said. Von der Leyen expressed that with this plan, they would not only rearm the European Union but also arm Ukraine, which is fighting for its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
ZELENSKY: "KNOWING WE ARE NOT ALONE IS VERY VALUABLE"
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, thanking European leaders for their strong support for Ukraine, stated, "Knowing we are not alone is very valuable, and these are not just words. We truly feel this. This is very important." Zelensky added, "Your signals to increase our production and your messages to strengthen European security within the framework of the European Union are significant decisions."
"EUROPE NEEDS TO STAND ON ITS OWN FEET"
Before the meeting, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola emphasized that Europe finally needs to stand on its own feet in terms of defense, stating, "We have been demanding this for a long time. The time has come for the European Union to stand on its own feet." Metsola highlighted that this is what citizens of EU countries expect from them, and she expressed the need to state that they are ready to provide real material support for Ukraine, not just in words.
"RUSSIA WILL LOSE THE ARMS RACE"
Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who holds the rotating presidency of the EU Council, stated, "Russia will lose the arms race, just like the Soviet Union did 40 years ago." Tusk said, "Today is a day when everything can change, and probably will change, in terms of Europe's determination, rearmament, defense industry, and facing Russia's challenges to the world."
Tusk emphasized that Europe as a whole has the capacity to win any military, financial, and economic struggle with Russia, stating, "We are clearly stronger." He also mentioned that France's proposal for nuclear deterrence is worth considering, stating that it should be part of a comprehensive initiative for coordinating Europe's defense efforts.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz approached France's "nuclear deterrence" plan with caution, stating that this proposal could weaken the U.S. commitment to Europe's security. In response to a question from journalists about peace negotiations regarding the Ukraine war, Scholz said, "It is very important that Ukraine does not have to accept a dictated peace. Instead, there should be a fair peace that guarantees Ukraine's sovereignty and independence."
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