Von der Leyen urges decisive EU action on Ukraine funding, defence and strategic independence ahead of December European Council
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called on EU leaders to take firm, immediate decisions on Ukraine, security and strategic autonomy as she addressed Members of the European Parliament in Strasbourg ahead of the European Council meeting on 18–19 December 2025.
Speaking during the formal preparation debate, von der Leyen described the current global environment as “dangerous and transactional,” warning that Europe is facing a world of war, power politics and predators. She stressed that Europeans must now fully assume responsibility for their own security and future.
Von der Leyen said the illusion of lasting peace in Europe ended with Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, marking what she called the final wake-up call for the European Union. She rejected nostalgia for the post-war order, arguing that Europe must act based on present realities rather than outdated assumptions.
Addressing transatlantic relations, the Commission president noted that both the EU and the United States have seen their share of global GDP fall sharply since 1990, while China’s share has risen from 4% to around 20%. She framed this as a structural shift in the global economy rather than a failure of any single country or alliance.
Against this backdrop, von der Leyen reiterated that Europe must define its own strategy, priorities and interests. She repeated her State of the Union message, declaring that this is “Europe’s independence moment.” According to her, strategic independence does not weaken partnerships but strengthens them by making Europe a more reliable global actor.
Von der Leyen highlighted energy as the clearest example of progress. She said EU imports of Russian gas have fallen from 45% at the start of the war to 13%, coal imports from 51% to zero, and crude oil from 26% to 2%, largely due to the REPowerEU plan. She confirmed that the EU is now committed to phasing out Russian fossil fuels permanently.
Turning to defence, she stated bluntly that Europe must be responsible for its own security, calling this “no longer an option, but a must.” After decades of underinvestment, she said the EU is now rebuilding its defence industrial base to deliver modern capabilities and mass production suited to hybrid warfare.
Von der Leyen noted that over the past decade the EU invested €8 billion through the European Defence Fund, while in 2025 it enabled up to €800 billion in defence-related investment through 2030. She pointed to strong demand for the SAFE programme, with 19 Member States already exceeding the initial €150 billion allocation.
The Commission president underlined that the most important act of European defence remains support for Ukraine. She warned that as peace discussions intensify, Russia has simultaneously escalated its attacks. According to IMF and EU estimates, Ukraine’s financing needs for 2026–2027 amount to roughly €137 billion, with Europe expected to cover two-thirds, or around €90 billion.
Von der Leyen presented two funding options to EU leaders: one based on Russian assets and another on EU borrowing. She insisted that a decision to fund Ukraine for the next two years must be taken at this European Council.
She confirmed that the EU has already agreed on the sustained immobilisation of Russian state assets, sending what she called a powerful political signal. The assets will remain frozen until Russia ends the war and pays reparations to Ukraine.
Concluding her speech, von der Leyen linked strategic independence directly to European freedom, democracy and the European way of life. She urged lawmakers and leaders to remain confident, united and determined, stating that a strong and independent Europe is essential for protecting both Ukraine and the continent itself.
00:00 A Dangerous New World: Europe Must Rely on Itself
01:17 Global Power Shift: EU/US Decline, China Rising
03:52 Energy Independence: Cutting Russian Fossil Fuels
05:50 Defence Autonomy: Building Capabilities and Investment
07:37 Ukraine Funding Decision: €137bn Need, Assets vs Borrowing
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