Remarks

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Thank you so much. And my short speech will be that I completely agree. But let me just make a few points. But basically, I could completely subscribe to what you just said. So dear Ursula, it's great indeed to be here today. Thank you for hosting. And there is no shortage of issues on which NATO and the EU work together. And I am grateful to you for the continued, excellent cooperation.

We last (met), indeed it was in Ankara, in Türkiye, during the NATO Summit, and the sentiment there was clear: Allies are united in their commitment to each other, to our collective defence. And we are clear-eyed about how important it is that we work together, including with the European Union, to ensure we have what we need to address the threats we face. That means investing more in defence, something Allies committed to last year in The Hague, and a commitment that we have already seen come to life in the years since, with more than 139 billion dollars extra in defence spending from European Allies and Canada in 2025. That's huge, and the trend continues. That investment is needed to buy capabilities, but we need industry to step up, and here too we have seen incredible progress. And let me be clear: this is not just new factories or additional production lines, important as they are. It is also making cooperation between industry easier, both within Europe and across the whole of the Alliance. That means creating opportunities for cooperation. It's about creating jobs and supporting our security. It's truly beneficial for all.

Russia has grown increasingly reckless. As they continue their terrible war against Ukraine, we have seen more drones and missiles crossing into our airspace, along our eastern flank, creating increased risk. We have also seen an increase in malign activities targeting our territory directly, whether it is fires set in factories producing defence equipment for Ukraine, or indeed the Russian hybrid attack in Leipzig, and yes, we stand in full solidarity with Germany – the whole Alliance and the European Union. The examples are many. The dangers Russia poses are clear, and we are working around the clock to ensure that we are prepared to keep our people safe. If Russia thinks we will be divided by the threat, or if they think we will be deterred from supporting Ukraine, they are mistaken. Our unity is unshaken. Our support to Ukraine is clear. In Ankara, Allies agreed to provide at least 70 billion euros to support Ukraine this year, and the same next year. The EU loan is a crucial element of this support. And Ursula, I want to thank you for all you have done to advance this effort. And of course, the support continues, including indeed vital air defence that Ukraine needs. And thank you so much for what you said about air defence.

So yes, there is a lot on our agenda, and I look forward to continuing the close cooperation between NATO and the European Union as we take this work forward, and also the close cooperation between the two of us, which is making it great fun. Thank you.