(see related)
European Commission President Ursula
von der Leyen said Monday that the next long-term EU budget must
take account of the need to ramp up defence spending.
"Russia's war of aggression has changed the security of our
continent forever," said von der Leyen, who is in Rome on Monday
to campaign ahead of next month's European elections and is the
EPP's lead candidate and.
"It has also given Europe an impulse for a common defence like
never before.
"The EU budget is already working to strengthen the defence
sector. Now we must look to the future because our defence and
security needs will only increase.
"That is why I believe that the next long-term EU budget must
take this into account".
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
