Ursula von der Leyen proposed creating a European Security Council (with Ukraine’s participation) and a mechanism independent of NATO for countering hybrid threats

Meduza — LIVE:

The head of the European Commission proposed that Canada become the first “associate member of the EU” in history European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that she is inviting Canada to become an “associate member of the EU.” Speaking in the European Parliament with her annual address,…

Ursula von der Leyen proposed creating a European Security Council (with Ukraine’s participation) and a mechanism independent of NATO for countering hybrid threats

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed creating a European security council in which the leaders of EU countries would meet with the heads of partner states such as Canada, Norway, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom.

Von der Leyen also called for creating in Europe an alert mechanism independent of NATO for jointly responding to security threats that do not reach the level of armed aggression. Under it, all 27 EU countries would have to begin consultations if one country activates such an alert mechanism.

Von der Leyen explained that she meant a mechanism that would supplement Article 4 of NATO. That article allows allies to request emergency consultations over incidents that are not armed conflicts but may threaten their security or territory.

“Europe needs its own rulebook for countering hybrid threats. We urgently need consensus on how to respond to certain incidents,” she emphasized.

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