At the Munich Security Conference, Ursula von der Leyen and Keir Starmer urged deeper Europe–UK cooperation and a stronger continental defence posture amid rising global threats.
Von der Leyen: “A European Awakening”
The European Commission President called for:
- A “European backbone” in space, intelligence, and long-range strike capability
- Ending “taboos” around EU defence cooperation
- Activating the EU’s mutual defence clause (Article 42.7)
She emphasised that mutual defence is a legal obligation, saying:
“One for all and all for one — this is Europe’s meaning.”
Von der Leyen added that the UK and EU should come closer, noting:
“Ten years from Brexit, our futures are as bound as ever.”
Starmer: Europe Must Stand on Its “Own Two Feet”
Starmer called for a “generational shift” in defence readiness and said Europe must build the hard power needed for modern threats.
Key UK announcement:
- The Carrier Strike Group, led by HMS Prince of Wales, will deploy to the North Atlantic and High North in 2026
- Operations will be joined by the US, Canada, and other NATO allies
He also signalled interest in:
- Closer UK–EU economic alignment
- Exploring areas where the UK might move nearer to the EU Single Market
Reactions & Closing Notes
Former NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg was present during the session.
Von der Leyen later said she found recent remarks by the US Secretary of State “reassuring”, reflecting revived transatlantic coordination.
Starmer warned Europe must avoid “the warm bath of complacency”, adding that the war in Ukraine exposed long-standing gaps in Europe’s defence commitments.
The 2026 Munich Security Conference features 70+ heads of state and 140+ ministers, running from Feb 13–15.