On Tuesday, Ursula von der Leyen revealed that the EU’s strategy to enhance its defense capabilities will involve establishing a shared Task Force with Ukraine for coordinating military assistance to the conflict-ridden nation. Additionally, the initiative includes setting up a European Military Sales Mechanism designed to bolster Europe’s defense industry.

The head of the European Commission stated that these two new tools will form part of the eagerly awaited White Paper on Defense set to be published on Wednesday. This document aims to detail the EU’s strategic focus areas for defense spending along with methods for funding such initiatives.

The White Paper , which Von Der Leyen referred to as "a blueprint for 'Readiness 2030,'" will highlight four key focuses such as boosting aid for Ukraine and enhancing Europe’s defense manufacturing sector.

Regarding Ukraine, von der Leyen stated to the cadets at the Royal Danish Military Academy in Copenhagen that "we have much more potential for action."

"To turn this into reality, we will establish a combined Task Force with Ukraine to oversee the European Union’s and its member states’ military assistance to Ukraine. However, Ukraine also has much to offer. Indeed, there is considerable knowledge we can gain from Ukraine’s restructuring of its defense sector," she noted.

Ukraine's increase in defense manufacturing could serve as "a model for Europe," von der Leyen stated, urging for quicker integration of Ukraine into the European defense equipment sector.

In terms of industry, she pointed out that European defense firms lack the capacity to manufacture the required equipment in sufficient volumes and at the necessary pace, as the continent’s market remains “highly splintered.”

"It is essential for us to change this situation. The process begins with increasing investments within Europe. Everyone knows that currently most defense spending occurs beyond our borders. To put it differently: employment opportunities, returns on investment, research, development, and innovation are predominantly happening elsewhere. This trend cannot continue indefinitely. Therefore, we should prioritize purchasing from European sources," she stated.

"In addition, companies need a steady stream of multi-year orders to steer investment and ramp up capacity. Pooling our demand and joint procurement is therefore even more important. We will set up a European Military Sales Mechanism to help make this happen," she announced.

To achieve this, the Commission will hold a strategic discussion with the defense sector.

Aerial and rocket defense, ordnance, unmanned aerial vehicles

von der Leyen has already revealed A ReArm Europe suggestion submitted two weeks ago To assist member countries in increasing their defense expenditures, this plan introduces a novel mechanism aimed at raising funds through capital market borrowing, which would subsequently be lent to these nations for defense initiatives. Additionally, it proposes leveraging the national escape clause within the Stability and Growth Pact to permit governments to diverge from strict European Union financial regulations when engaging in defense-related spending.

The proposal also detailed the defense capacities that the Commission sees as crucial for this financing, encompassing areas like air and missile defense, artillery systems, ammunition and missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), cybersecurity, and troop movements infrastructure.

The EU leaders provided their political support for the proposal during an emergency meeting held last week. It is anticipated that they will further debate the White Paper at a two-day summit beginning this Thursday in Brussels.

However, no decisions are anticipated at this particular meeting; instead, the leaders plan to await the upcoming summit in late June, which will follow directly after an assembly of NATO’s chiefs of state.

“Securing funding is a crucial initial step, however, the true challenge lies in transforming this capital into tangible initiatives,” stated Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen just moments before von der Leyen spoke.

" Europe needs to be capable of protecting itself, and we should act immediately to guarantee this capability. I am hopeful that we can establish a definitive objective to enhance our collective defense and security within Europe," she stated additionally.

von der Leyen also stated that "taking action now is imperative" and that "by 2030, Europe needs to establish a robust European defense position."

Multiple intelligence agencies have cautioned that Russia might possess the capability to target a European NATO member before the close of the decade.

She stated, 'We are more resilient than we believe, and we face these challenges together. Europe stands more unified today.' According to her, the union remains ‘entirely dedicated to collaborating with NATO and the United States’ and is striving to pioneer new approaches in security alongside the UK as well as other allies such as Canada and Norway.

But a swift security agreement with Britain seems unsure because certain member states indicated that it must be included in an overall overhaul of ties, whereas recent statements from President Donald Trump and key figures in his administration have sparked worries regarding America’s ongoing dedication to defending Europe.

A point of disagreement with the US also involves Greenland, a territory with significant autonomy within the Kingdom of Denmark. According to Trump, the United States could potentially acquire it through military means for reasons related to national security.

To everyone in Greenland and throughout Denmark, I want to emphasize that Europe will consistently support sovereignty and territorial integrity," von der Leyen stated to the cadets.