She commended Poland for its acute assessment of the threat from Russia, stating that "Poland has said from the very beginning that we should have no illusions about what Putin is about. This is a war that is about changing Europe's borders, a new European map, it is also about destroying Ukraine's independence".
Arguing for strategic investments in security, von der Leyen asserted that "the best investment is an investment in our own security". She called for the development and production of next-generation operational forces capable of prevailing in conflicts, stressing the importance of both material and technological superiority.
The EC head outlined ambitious plans to enhance the European defense industry over the next five years, advocating increased spending and utilization of European funds to ensure the production of military capabilities within Europe. She also emphasized the necessity of establishing a "truly European air defense system".
Reflecting on Poland's two-decade membership in the EU, von der Leyen praised its contribution to strengthening the Union, stating that "Poland's accession has made the Union much stronger and more complete".
In a forward-looking note, von der Leyen proclaimed, that "Poland is making a comeback. It's not just a return to the basic values and principles that have been formed here for more than 100 years [...] Poland is also returning as a leader of Europe", von der Leyen stressed.
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Source: PAP