At the Munich Security Conference, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that Europe needs to develop a new security strategy, emphasizing that it is an obligation rather than a choice. She remarked that Europe must be capable of self-reliance and that the journey towards this realization has been challenging, requiring what she described as 'shock therapy' to acknowledge the urgent need for cohesive security measures among European nations.

Von der Leyen articulated the importance of collective responsibility among European nations in the face of potential aggression, echoing the sentiment of unity with the phrase 'one for all and all for one.' This statement reflects a growing recognition that European countries must strengthen their cooperative defense strategies, especially given the current geopolitical climate and the changing dynamics of international alliances.

The timing of her comments is particularly noteworthy, coming shortly after a speech by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who highlighted the interconnected fates of Europe and the United States. Rubio’s remarks underline the necessity of collaboration between the two regions, suggesting that while Europe seeks to bolster its security framework, it must also remain aligned with its transatlantic partner to effectively navigate global challenges.