Von der Leyen: Time to Bring EU Mutual Defense Clause to Life

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered a forceful message at the Munich Security Conference 2026, arguing that the European Union must transform its mutual defense commitment from principle into practice.

“The time has come to bring Europe’s mutual defense clause to life,” she said, referring to Article 42.7 of the EU treaty. “Mutual defense is not an optional task for the European Union; it is an obligation under our own treaty.”

She framed the clause in simple terms: “One for all and all for one.”

Article 42.7 and Collective Commitment

Von der Leyen emphasized that the mutual defense provision binds EU member states to assist one another in the event of armed aggression.

“It is our collective commitment to stand by each other in the event of aggression,” she said, underscoring that the legal foundation already exists — what is needed now is implementation.

Her remarks come amid growing concerns over Europe’s long-term security architecture, particularly in light of Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Defense Spending: “We Cannot Afford Not To”

The Commission president acknowledged that EU members have pledged to increase defense budgets but stressed that promises must translate into tangible capabilities.

“We have all agreed to spend more. Now we need to get the money out the door and turn it into real defense capabilities,” she said. “Some ask whether we can afford this. I say we cannot afford not to.”

She added that in what she described as a “new world order,” every major EU policy must incorporate a clear security dimension.

Ukraine’s Lesson: “You Change or You Die”

Drawing on a phrase often heard in Kyiv, von der Leyen invoked Ukraine’s wartime resilience.

“As they say in Ukraine: you change or you die. We must adopt this mantra as well,” she said, linking institutional reform and defense transformation to Europe’s survival in a volatile geopolitical environment.

Independence and the Transatlantic Bond

Addressing concerns that a stronger European defense identity could undermine NATO or the US partnership, von der Leyen rejected the notion of a contradiction.

“Some may say that the word ‘independence’ runs counter to our transatlantic bond. The opposite is true,” she said, referencing remarks made earlier by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

She also signaled continued alignment with the United Kingdom, telling British Prime Minister Keir Starmer that “ten years from Brexit, our futures are as bound as ever.”