The creation of a collective security system based on an independent Europe has become the task of the current decade for the member states of the European Community, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Thursday.
The Charlemagne Prize for outstanding contributions to European unity was awarded in Aachen, Germany. Ursula von der Leyen was named the 2025 laureate. During her speech, she called for the creation of a “Pax Europaea” (European peace), which, in her opinion, would be a response to the United States’ refusal to defend the European continent.
“Europe must develop a new form of Pax Europaea for the 21st century, shaped and governed by Europe itself,” the EC President said.
According to her, Europe has enjoyed a long period of peace only thanks to NATO. At present, she noted, efforts are needed to ensure that a new international order emerges before the end of the decade. In her view, this could ensure the existence of an independent Europe in the face of powerful counterforces.
