European Commission President von der Leyen said in Strasbourg, France on the 17th that the Russian-Ukrainian conflict has sounded a wake-up call for Europe, and Europe must take responsibility for its own security. Von der Leyen delivered a speech at the European Parliament plenary session held in Strasbourg on the same day, saying, “The current situation means that Europeans must protect themselves; we must rely on ourselves”. “This is no longer a choice, but a necessity.”

European Commission President von der Leyen said in Strasbourg, France on the 17th that the Russian-Ukrainian conflict has sounded a wake-up call for Europe, and Europe must take responsibility for its own security. Von der Leyen delivered a speech at the European Parliament plenary session held in Strasbourg on the same day, saying, “The current situation means that Europeans must protect themselves; we must rely on ourselves”. “This is no longer a choice, but a necessity.”