(Strasbourg) In her speech to the European Parliament, Ursula von der Leyen called for “massive resources” for defence, but also for military aid to Ukraine. Putin “is a hostile neighbour”, the US seems to be withdrawing from Europe… Therefore, she reiterated “the urgent need to fill the gaps in Ukraine’s military supplies”. The EU is deeply concerned about its security: “At the European Council, I saw a level of consensus on European defence, which is not just unprecedented but was completely unthinkable only a few weeks ago. There is a new understanding that we must think differently and act accordingly”. Then a brief historical and political analysis: “After the end of the Cold War, some believed that Russia could be integrated in Europe’s economic and security architecture. While others hoped that we could rely indefinitely on America’s full protection. And so, we lowered our guard”. Defence spending was cut from an average of 3% to less than half of that. The identified “enemy” is Russia: “Russia’s military complex is outproducing” Europe’s. “If we look at military expenditure in real terms, the Kremlin is spending more than all of Europe combined. We need a surge in European defence”. She then referred to the ReArm Europe plan with its 800 billion in war spending, the “national escape clause” that allows member states to spend on weapons while ensuring debt sustainability, the 150 billion security plan through loans (Article 122 of the Treaty), the possibility of using cohesion funds, private investment, and the European Investment Bank intervention.