[By Guancha Observer Wang Kaixuan] According to Politico Europe, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated on May 29 that Europe needs to safeguard its independence through measures such as increasing defense spending and admitting Ukraine into the EU.

Von der Leyen was awarded the Charlemagne Prize in Aachen, Germany on the same day. The prize, named after Charlemagne, the Emperor who once unified most of Western and Central Europe, honors individuals who promote European integration.

"The next great era, the next great unity project, must come from an independent Europe," Von der Leyen said in her acceptance speech. "To build an independent Europe, we must free ourselves from our shackles."

In recent years, Europe's concerns over excessive reliance on the United States have grown. Von der Leyen believes that "independence" is the next phase goal following a series of historical processes including ensuring peace after World War II, forming a unified market and currency, and reuniting after the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

On May 29, Von der Leyen was awarded the Charlemagne Prize. Video screenshot.

To achieve the goal of "European independence," Von der Leyen outlined four core tasks: ensuring peace by increasing defense spending; strengthening innovation and competitiveness to stimulate growth; expanding the EU to realize what she called "historical unification"; and updating and reinforcing democracy to protect member states from internal and external threats.

"We are now able to provide up to 800 billion euros for defense, which was not possible just a few years ago," Von der Leyen said. "We do this because we will spare no effort to defend peace... A new international order will emerge before the end of this decade, and if we don't want to simply accept the impact it brings to Europe and the world, we must shape this new order."

Von der Leyen supports Ukraine, Balkan countries, Moldova, and Georgia joining the EU, stating that a stronger, unified Europe will enhance its influence in the world and help reduce dependence on others.

According to the Associated Press, King Felipe VI of Spain and German Chancellor Merkel attended the award ceremony on Thursday. In response to former U.S. President Trump's threat to withdraw America's protection commitment to Europe, they both called for strengthening European defense capabilities.

"Washington has sent a clear message: Europeans should make more efforts to defend their continent. We should not underestimate the importance of this message. Few people alive today have lived in a Europe where America was not the main security provider," Felipe said.

Merkel, in her speech, mentioned remarks made earlier this year by U.S. Vice President Vance at the Munich Security Conference. Merkel stated that Vance "challenged our position in his own unique way."

The report noted that Merkel, Felipe, and Von der Leyen all emphasized the importance of responding with a united voice to former U.S. President Trump's changing tariff policies.

Von der Leyen said, "We will never become a protectionist continent."

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Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7510084539553743379/

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