European Commission Chief Ursula von der Leyen, during a security conference in Germany, argued that Europe must assume more responsibility for its own security. Her comments signal that fractures in the US-led NATO security architecture, caused by President Trump, have pushed Europe to reconsider its role in the post-World War II transatlantic framework.&nbsp;"Europe needs to step up and has to take on its responsibility" for its security, she told the Munich Security Conference on Saturday (Feb 14), adding that "Europe’s security has not always been seen as our primary responsibility."&nbsp;"We must grow a European backbone of strategic enablers: in space, intelligence and deep-strike capabilities," she said.&nbsp;She declared that "No taboo can go unchallenged," referring to the recent use of the EU’s collective commitment by member states to defend one another in the event of aggression, as seen during the standoff between the United States and European nations over Trump’s bid to acquire Greenland.&nbsp;"I believe the time has come to bring Europe's mutual defence clause to life."&nbsp;She asserted that today is a time for action, saying, "I want to focus on Europe's plan for independence," and stressed the need for urgent action by quoting a line from a former US Assistant Secretary of Defense "Unless a nation feels itself primarily responsible for its own security and wellbeing, it will leave the task to others and fail to marshal its resources and political will in its own defence."&nbsp;She also mentioned the progress Europe has made in strengthening its security: "Defence spending in Europe in 2025 is up close to 80% compared to before the war in Ukraine. The EU is mobilising up to EUR 800 billion. With our SAFE programme, we are investing in the capabilities we need, from air and missile defence to drones and military mobility."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-us-and-europe-belong-together-but-allies-should-defend-themselves-says-rubio-at-munich-security-conference-1771068794871">‘US and Europe belong together, but allies should defend themselves,’ says Rubio at Munich Security Conference</a>&nbsp;“By 2028, defence investment in Europe is even projected to exceed the amount the US spent on such equipment last year. This is a true European awakening,” she added.&nbsp;&nbsp;The EU chief’s remarks come against the backdrop of Europe setting in motion a historic rearmament effort to build credible defence capabilities by 2030, triggered by US threats to reduce spending within NATO and to prepare itself for potential conflict with Russia.

Von der Leyen said the EU is mobilising up to €800 billion and, through its SAFE programme, investing in key capabilities ranging from air and missile defence to drones and military mobility.

European Commission Chief Ursula von der Leyen, during a security conference in Germany, argued that Europe must assume more responsibility for its own security. Her comments signal that fractures in the US-led NATO security architecture, caused by President Trump, have pushed Europe to reconsider its role in the post-World War II transatlantic framework. "Europe needs to step up and has to take on its responsibility" for its security, she told the Munich Security Conference on Saturday (Feb 14), adding that "Europe’s security has not always been seen as our primary responsibility." "We must grow a European backbone of strategic enablers: in space, intelligence and deep-strike capabilities," she said. She declared that "No taboo can go unchallenged," referring to the recent use of the EU’s collective commitment by member states to defend one another in the event of aggression, as seen during the standoff between the United States and European nations over Trump’s bid to acquire Greenland. "I believe the time has come to bring Europe's mutual defence clause to life." She asserted that today is a time for action, saying, "I want to focus on Europe's plan for independence," and stressed the need for urgent action by quoting a line from a former US Assistant Secretary of Defense "Unless a nation feels itself primarily responsible for its own security and wellbeing, it will leave the task to others and fail to marshal its resources and political will in its own defence." She also mentioned the progress Europe has made in strengthening its security: "Defence spending in Europe in 2025 is up close to 80% compared to before the war in Ukraine. The EU is mobilising up to EUR 800 billion. With our SAFE programme, we are investing in the capabilities we need, from air and missile defence to drones and military mobility." Also Read: ‘US and Europe belong together, but allies should defend themselves,’ says Rubio at Munich Security Conference “By 2028, defence investment in Europe is even projected to exceed the amount the US spent on such equipment last year. This is a true European awakening,” she added. The EU chief’s remarks come against the backdrop of Europe setting in motion a historic rearmament effort to build credible defence capabilities by 2030, triggered by US threats to reduce spending within NATO and to prepare itself for potential conflict with Russia.

Von der Leyen said the EU is mobilising up to €800 billion and, through its SAFE programme, investing in key capabilities ranging from air and missile defence to drones and military mobility.

'Europe needs to take responsibility for its security': EU chief says bloc mobilising €800 bn for defence capabilities

The European Commission on Wednesday issued a key policy document that aims to strengthen ties with India in key domains, including security. The ‘New Strategic EU-India Agenda' focuses on strengthening commercial ties by pushing for finalising India, EU free trade agreement and pitches for launching talks for a Security of Information Agreement, which will facilitate classified information exchange that will support closer security and defence cooperation.India and the EU together account for 25 per cent of the global population and GDP. The EU is India's largest trading partner in goods, and the bilateral trade in goods was worth $120 billion last year. Currently, 6000 European companies are present in India. &nbsp;Among the document's key features are strengthening regional connectivity initiatives, such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), EU-India trilateral cooperation with and in third countries and proposes developing a comprehensive mobility cooperation framework covering study, work, and research.The document, whose release came on the day of Indian PM Modi's 75th Birthday celebration, also proposes the conclusion of the Investment Protection Agreement (IPA), the upgrade of the bilateral Macroeconomic Dialogue and the creation of an EU-India Task Force on Green Hydrogen.The Indian side "appreciated" the adoption of the new Strategic EU-India Agenda by the EU during the telephonic conversation between PM Modi and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. During the talks, the European side congratulated the PM on his birthday as both said "reaffirmed their commitment to a conclusion of the India-EU FTA negotiations before the end of the year", said an Indian readout. The leaders also discussed the war in Ukraine, with the Indian calling for an "early and peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine".The release of the document and talks between PM Modi and President Ursula von der Leyen come a week after the 13th round of FTA talks, &amp; visit of the EU commissioner on Trade and Agriculture. Both sides are now working on the upcoming India-EU summit, expected to happen next year, in Delhi.The EU document released today also called for more counterterror cooperation between India &nbsp;EU. Calling the Pahalgam terror attack a "tragic reminder of terrorism’s human cost", the new strategic plan called for the need to "combat terrorism financing, online propaganda, and risks posed by emerging technologies". The document said, "the EU is committed to further strengthening counterterrorism cooperation to assess global threats, counter extremism and terrorism financing".

India and the EU together account for 25 per cent of the global population and GDP. The EU is India's largest trading partner in goods, and the bilateral trade in goods was worth $120 billion last year. Currently, 6000 European companies are present in India.

The European Commission on Wednesday issued a key policy document that aims to strengthen ties with India in key domains, including security. The ‘New Strategic EU-India Agenda' focuses on strengthening commercial ties by pushing for finalising India, EU free trade agreement and pitches for launching talks for a Security of Information Agreement, which will facilitate classified information exchange that will support closer security and defence cooperation. India and the EU together account for 25 per cent of the global population and GDP. The EU is India's largest trading partner in goods, and the bilateral trade in goods was worth $120 billion last year. Currently, 6000 European companies are present in India. Among the document's key features are strengthening regional connectivity initiatives, such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), EU-India trilateral cooperation with and in third countries and proposes developing a comprehensive mobility cooperation framework covering study, work, and research. The document, whose release came on the day of Indian PM Modi's 75th Birthday celebration, also proposes the conclusion of the Investment Protection Agreement (IPA), the upgrade of the bilateral Macroeconomic Dialogue and the creation of an EU-India Task Force on Green Hydrogen. The Indian side "appreciated" the adoption of the new Strategic EU-India Agenda by the EU during the telephonic conversation between PM Modi and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. During the talks, the European side congratulated the PM on his birthday as both said "reaffirmed their commitment to a conclusion of the India-EU FTA negotiations before the end of the year", said an Indian readout. The leaders also discussed the war in Ukraine, with the Indian calling for an "early and peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine". The release of the document and talks between PM Modi and President Ursula von der Leyen come a week after the 13th round of FTA talks, & visit of the EU commissioner on Trade and Agriculture. Both sides are now working on the upcoming India-EU summit, expected to happen next year, in Delhi. The EU document released today also called for more counterterror cooperation between India EU. Calling the Pahalgam terror attack a "tragic reminder of terrorism’s human cost", the new strategic plan called for the need to "combat terrorism financing, online propaganda, and risks posed by emerging technologies". The document said, "the EU is committed to further strengthening counterterrorism cooperation to assess global threats, counter extremism and terrorism financing".

India and the EU together account for 25 per cent of the global population and GDP. The EU is India's largest trading partner in goods, and the bilateral trade in goods was worth $120 billion last year. Currently, 6000 European companies are present in India.

EU issues key policy document that aims to strengthen ties with India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a joint telephone call with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council Antonio Costa on Thursday. They exchanged views on the efforts to bring an end to the conflict in Ukraine and reaffirmed the commitment for an early conclusion of the India-EU FTA negotiations and implementation of the IMEEC corridor. The leaders also welcomed the progress in trade, technology, investment, innovation, sustainability, defence, security, and supply chain resilience and underlined the role of the India-EU Strategic Partnership in jointly addressing global issues, fostering stability, and promoting a rules-based order.&nbsp;&nbsp;Prime Minister Modi invited the two leaders to India for the next India-EU Summit.&nbsp;They also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest and the efforts to bring an end to the conflict in Ukraine. PM Modi reiterated India’s consistent support for peaceful resolution of the conflict and early restoration of peace and stability.&nbsp;In a post on X, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that India has a crucial role to play in pressing Russia to end its war in Ukraine and shaping a path towards peace.&nbsp;She said, “We warmly welcome India’s continued engagement with President Zelensky. India has an important role to play in bringing Russia to end its war of aggression and helping create a path towards peace.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We had the pleasure of speaking with Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>. We warmly welcome India’s continued engagement with President Zelenskyy. India has an important role to play in bringing Russia to end its war of aggression and helping create a path towards peace. This war… <a href="https://t.co/ri5Vkep6MQ">pic.twitter.com/ri5Vkep6MQ</a>&mdash; Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) <a href="https://twitter.com/vonderleyen/status/1963579062531616790?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;“This war carries global security consequences and undermines economic stability. So it is a risk to the entire world,” she added.The EU chief also underlined the bloc’s commitment to strengthening ties with New Delhi and reiterated Brussels’ push to conclude a Free Trade Agreement with India by the end of 2025.&nbsp;“To achieve this, progress is needed now," she said, signalling urgency in advancing talks on market access, tariffs and regulatory standards that have been under negotiation for years.&nbsp;The call comes as US President Donald Trump imposed 25% reciprocal duty on Indian goods and an additional 25% levy for purchasing Russian oil.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">In Paris for a crucial meeting of the Coalition of the Willing on security guarantees. We have been working on 3 core tasks. Turning Ukraine into a steel porcupine. Building a Multinational Force for Ukraine backed by the US. Reinforcing Europe’s defence posture. Let’s now… <a href="https://t.co/h2kdYcBbS4">pic.twitter.com/h2kdYcBbS4</a>&mdash; Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) <a href="https://twitter.com/vonderleyen/status/1963533565943251241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The European leaders are in Paris to attend a crucial meeting of the ‘Coalition of the Willing’ on security guarantees to Ukraine.

The leaders also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest and the efforts to bring an end to the conflict in Ukraine. PM Modi reiterated India’s consistent support for peaceful resolution of the conflict and early restoration of peace and stability.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a joint telephone call with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council Antonio Costa on Thursday. They exchanged views on the efforts to bring an end to the conflict in Ukraine and reaffirmed the commitment for an early conclusion of the India-EU FTA negotiations and implementation of the IMEEC corridor. The leaders also welcomed the progress in trade, technology, investment, innovation, sustainability, defence, security, and supply chain resilience and underlined the role of the India-EU Strategic Partnership in jointly addressing global issues, fostering stability, and promoting a rules-based order. Prime Minister Modi invited the two leaders to India for the next India-EU Summit. They also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest and the efforts to bring an end to the conflict in Ukraine. PM Modi reiterated India’s consistent support for peaceful resolution of the conflict and early restoration of peace and stability. In a post on X, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that India has a crucial role to play in pressing Russia to end its war in Ukraine and shaping a path towards peace. She said, “We warmly welcome India’s continued engagement with President Zelensky. India has an important role to play in bringing Russia to end its war of aggression and helping create a path towards peace.”

The leaders also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest and the efforts to bring an end to the conflict in Ukraine. PM Modi reiterated India’s consistent support for peaceful resolution of the conflict and early restoration of peace and stability.

EU, EC chiefs speak with PM Modi on Ukraine War, push for Free Trade Pact

US President Donald Trump brushed off concerns over electronic warfare on Tuesday (September 02), saying he would be “happy” if his own ability to use a phone was taken away. His comments came after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s aircraft suffered satellite disruption suspected to be caused by Russia. When asked about the incident, Trump said, “Well, nobody knows where it came from, but they did take away her ability to use a phone. You know, sometimes that’s a good thing. Sometimes that could happen to me, I’d be very happy.”Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-china-victory-day-military-parade-live-updates-xi-jinping-putin-kim-jong-un-latest-1756866102561">‘Say hi to Putin and Kim as you plot against US’: Trump’s sarcastic jab at Xi on China’s Victory Day - Is the US president paranoid or just bitter?</a><h2>What happened to von der Leyen’s flight?</h2>European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s jet had lost GPS signal while flying to Plovdiv, Bulgaria, on Sunday. The aircraft landed safely, but the episode added to a growing list of suspected Russian jamming incidents. Western governments believe Moscow has been behind nearly 80 such cases since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.Officials in Finland, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia have repeatedly warned about Russian electronic disruption affecting civilian aircraft, ships and drones. In one case last year, a plane carrying the UK defence secretary was also jammed near Russian territory. A Finnish airline even suspended flights to Estonia’s Tartu after repeated navigation problems.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-foolishly-we-weren-t-charging-india-trump-goes-on-india-tariff-rant-again-points-to-200-tax-on-harley-davidson-1756868883968">‘Foolishly, we weren’t charging India’: Trump goes on India tariff rant again</a><h2>NATO vows to step up response</h2>NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said the alliance was working “day and night” to prevent further incidents. Speaking in Luxembourg on Tuesday, he described the jamming as part of a broader Russian campaign of “hybrid threats”. “It is taken very seriously,” Rutte said, citing other suspected actions by Moscow, including the cutting of Baltic undersea cables, a cyberattack on Britain’s National Health Service, and an alleged plot to kill a German industrialist. Neither Russia nor von der Leyen has commented publicly on the jamming episode.Moscow insists its electronic interference is defensive, aimed at shielding critical military areas from Ukrainian drone attacks. But Baltic officials say the reach of jamming now extends far from Russia’s borders, affecting civilian safety.

Donald Trump downplayed concerns over suspected Russian jamming, saying he’d be “happy” to lose phone access himself, after Ursula von der Leyen’s jet suffered GPS disruption en route to Bulgaria.

US President Donald Trump brushed off concerns over electronic warfare on Tuesday (September 02), saying he would be “happy” if his own ability to use a phone was taken away. His comments came after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s aircraft suffered satellite disruption suspected to be caused by Russia. When asked about the incident, Trump said, “Well, nobody knows where it came from, but they did take away her ability to use a phone. You know, sometimes that’s a good thing. Sometimes that could happen to me, I’d be very happy.” Also read: ‘Say hi to Putin and Kim as you plot against US’: Trump’s sarcastic jab at Xi on China’s Victory Day - Is the US president paranoid or just bitter? What happened to von der Leyen’s flight? European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s jet had lost GPS signal while flying to Plovdiv, Bulgaria, on Sunday. The aircraft landed safely, but the episode added to a growing list of suspected Russian jamming incidents. Western governments believe Moscow has been behind nearly 80 such cases since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Officials in Finland, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia have repeatedly warned about Russian electronic disruption affecting civilian aircraft, ships and drones. In one case last year, a plane carrying the UK defence secretary was also jammed near Russian territory. A Finnish airline even suspended flights to Estonia’s Tartu after repeated navigation problems. Also read: ‘Foolishly, we weren’t charging India’: Trump goes on India tariff rant again NATO vows to step up response NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said the alliance was working “day and night” to prevent further incidents. Speaking in Luxembourg on Tuesday, he described the jamming as part of a broader Russian campaign of “hybrid threats”. “It is taken very seriously,” Rutte said, citing other suspected actions by Moscow, including the cutting of Baltic undersea cables, a cyberattack on Britain’s National Health Service, and an alleged plot to kill a German industrialist. Neither Russia nor von der Leyen has commented publicly on the jamming episode. Moscow insists its electronic interference is defensive, aimed at shielding critical military areas from Ukrainian drone attacks. But Baltic officials say the reach of jamming now extends far from Russia’s borders, affecting civilian safety.

Donald Trump downplayed concerns over suspected Russian jamming, saying he’d be “happy” to lose phone access himself, after Ursula von der Leyen’s jet suffered GPS disruption en route to Bulgaria.

‘I’d be very happy’: Trump says losing phone signal is sometimes ‘a good thing’ after Von der Leyen’s plane hit by suspected Russian jamming