European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said that efforts to shift the burden of Europe’s defense from the United States are accelerating.
She said the United States is correct in its demands in this direction and that the position of the Donald Trump administration does not harm the alliance.
Asked whether she considered the United States an ally under Donald Trump, von der Leyen said:
“Of course, the United States and the EU are allies. But that does not mean our model for the last 25-30 years or more is still correct. The United States bears the lion’s share of the responsibility for defense. We have to do our homework and fulfill our responsibilities,” she said.
When reminded that she had not met with US President Trump, who took office on January 20, von der Leyen replied: "There are contacts, but I think we will also have a personal meeting when the time comes. I think it will be my meeting. This is the current situation."
