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EU should 'bring to life' mutual defence pact, von der Leyen says

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on February 14, 2026

1 min read

· Last updated: February 14, 2026

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MUNICH, Feb 14 (Reuters) - The European Union should "bring to life" a mutual defence pact anchored in its founding treaty, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said at the Munich

Ursula von der Leyen Calls for Revitalization of EU Defence Pact

Reviving the EU Mutual Defence Commitment

MUNICH, Feb 14 (Reuters) - The European Union should "bring to life" a mutual defence pact anchored in its founding treaty, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday.

Importance of Collective Defence

"Mutual defence is not an optional task for the European Union. It is an obligation within our own treaty," von der Leyen said in a speech at the conference.

Ursula von der Leyen's Speech Highlights

"It is our collective commitment to stand by each other in case of aggression, or in simple terms: one for all and all for one. And this is Europe's meaning."

(Reporting by Andrew Gray; Editing by Sarah Marsh)

Key Takeaways

  • Ursula von der Leyen calls for EU mutual defence activation.
  • The pact is part of the EU's founding treaty.
  • Collective defence is an EU obligation.
  • Speech delivered at Munich Security Conference.
  • Emphasis on 'one for all and all for one' principle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the European Commission?
The European Commission is the executive branch of the European Union responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, and managing the EU's day-to-day operations.
What is collective defence?
Collective defence refers to the security arrangement where member states agree to defend each other against external threats.

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