The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, stated that Europe must take on responsibilities in defense and use the mutual defense clause.

At the Munich Security Conference, Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, emphasized the need for Europe to shift to "high gear" regarding defense responsibilities, considering the dependence on the USA. She stated that the security of Europe has not always been a priority, but this has fundamentally changed. Von der Leyen highlighted the importance of a strong Europe for strengthening the transatlantic alliance and proposed the release of "taboos," including the use of the mutual defense clause. She also mentioned that the EU and the United Kingdom are more connected than ever, emphasizing the importance of an ambitious partnership. The conference addresses themes such as the changing global order, the crisis in transatlantic relations, the war in Ukraine, and the Iranian dossier.