Package of 800 billion euros turns EU into a defence line, Brussels wants complete elimination of Russian gas purchases

(Patria) - European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen believes that the defence package of 800 billion euros she proposed can turn the European Union into a "defence union".

- This week brought unanimous support (during the EU leaders' summit on defence on Thursday) for the ‘Re-arm Europe’ programme. You are familiar with the package of 800 billion euros for defence, it is a historic thing. This can be the foundation of a European defence union - said Von der Leyen at a press conference marking 100 days of her second term, as reported by N1.

She emphasised that the rearmament of Europe will be launched with “full force”.

Von der Leyen added that the EU should “join forces with other like-minded countries” such as the United Kingdom, Norway and Canada to “unlock its full potential in the face of concrete threats”.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen believes that the defence package of 800 billion euros she proposed can turn the European Union into a "defence union".

- This week brought unanimous support (during the EU leaders' summit on defence on Thursday) for the ‘Re-arm Europe’ programme. You are familiar with the package of 800 billion euros for defence, it is a historic thing. This can be the foundation of a European defence union - said Von der Leyen at a press conference marking 100 days of her second term, as reported by N1.

She emphasised that the rearmament of Europe will be launched with “full force”.

Von der Leyen added that the EU should “join forces with other like-minded countries” such as the United Kingdom, Norway and Canada to “unlock its full potential in the face of concrete threats”.

French President Emmanuel Macron launched an initiative earlier this week regarding the potential role of the European Commission in this context.

Von der Leyen noted that the EU remains committed to the complete elimination of Russian gas purchases.