At the Munich Security Conference, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed that Europe must adopt a proactive approach to its defense strategies and take lessons from Ukraine's ongoing conflict. She emphasized that a new European security doctrine is necessary to protect the continent's territory, economy, democracy, and way of life. By citing Ukraine's resilience and industrial strength, von der Leyen argued that Europe's security strategy needs to evolve to embrace both civilian and defense sectors seamlessly.

Von der Leyen highlighted the principle that Ukraine illustrates: nations must be prepared to change or perish in the face of aggression. She called for Europe to internalize this mantra, encouraging a shift from a complacent approach to one that prioritizes readiness and adaptability in defense. The context of her remarks points to a broader recognition within Europe of the growing geopolitical threats posed by adversaries and reinforces the need for European nations to unify their efforts to bolster collective security.

Overall, von der Leyen's statements reflect a significant moment in the discussion around European security in light of the Ukrainian experience. As Europe faces numerous threats and challenges, the call for greater integration and preparedness brings to the forefront the discussions of modernization in defense strategy and the importance of industrial capacity in maintaining security and deterrence.