The European Union must step up its efforts to strengthen defence capabilities because Russian President Vladimir Putin is a "predator" who "will not change," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said during a joint press conference with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk on Sunday.
"We must maintain a sense of urgency because we know that Putin has not changed and will not change. He is a predator. In the last 25 years, he has started four wars - Chechnya, Georgia, Crimea and the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. We know from experience that it can only be kept under control through strong deterrence," von der Leyen said.
She stressed that Europe must act "in a coordinated, precise and swift manner" to build a stronger defense posture, especially in the EU's "frontline" countries.
Von der Leyen paid special attention to Poland, calling it "the largest defense investor in Europe" and noting that the country would be a "main beneficiary" of the new SAFE program for European security.
"To match Poland's readiness, we have proposed a fivefold increase in defense investment and a tenfold increase in funding for military mobility. Together we can build a Europe that protects us," added the EC President.
The statement comes against the backdrop of the ongoing war in Ukraine and growing pressure on the EU to strengthen its military capabilities and the resilience of the alliance against Russian aggression.