Von der Leyen emphasizes the importance of a European air defense system.
While French President Emmanuel Macron was in Münster, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen brought up the importance of a European air defense system. "As we've seen in recent years, we need to build our own European power if we want to ensure peace on our continent," she asserted. "This new European endeavor is symbolized by the proposal of an air defense shield."
She mentioned the proposal from German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, which he had presented during a European speech in Prague in 2022. Macron had "started the conversation about a European discussion," according to von der Leyen. "A truly sovereign European Union needs to be able to protect itself." The EU Commission President made this remark at the beginning of the Westphalian Peace Prize ceremony, where she honored Macron.
Macron had received the award almost a year before, but the ceremony was delayed because his planned state visit for 2023 was called off due to protests in France. The committee initially granted the prize because Macron had managed to "maintain communication with the Russian leadership." However, these unsuccessful attempts are no longer being discussed.
The prize, given since 1983, is a reminder of the Westphalian Peace of 1648, which ended the Thirty Years' War. It's awarded every two years in the Münster town hall in two categories - a primary prize and a youth prize. The annual youth award is presented to the German-Polish Youth Work. After the ceremony, Macron planned to travel to Meseberg, where he would meet with the Chancellor for the German-French Ministerial Council. The talks there will focus on European defense and competitiveness.
Although both topics are on the table, there are still disagreements between Germany and France. Macron's debate initiative about potentially deploying Western troops in Ukraine is met with strong resistance in Berlin. Germany also criticizes France's push for more protectionism, such as tariffs on electric cars.
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In light of the necessity for self-protection, von der Leyen advocated for the integration of Peace defense and Air defense systems within Europe. This aligns with the proposal made by German Chancellor Scholz, which he presented during his speech in Prague, emphasizing the necessity of a truly sovereign European Union capable of defending itself.
Source: www.ntv.de
