European defense sovereignty doesn’t mean turning away from NATO, says von der Leyen

Europe's push to become a stronger defense and security player doesn't mean the bloc will turn away from NATO, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Wednesday.

"European sovereignty is needed, but European sovereignty will never be at the expense of our allies and friends and never affect the importance and the need for NATO," she told the audience at the European Defence and Security summit.

Preparedness, investment and partnerships are the three priorities moving forward, the Commission president added.

Von der Leyen is currently seeking a second term as head of the European Commission and is running on a platform that puts defense front and center.

But as Brussels is looking to take a greater, leading role on defense — pitching for example a European Defence Industrial Strategy last month — NATO officials worry about overlaps with the military alliance.

"As we strengthen our own security on defense, we will of course strengthen our core partnership with  NATO: A more sovereign, better financed European defense will of course only make a stronger NATO," Von der Leyen said.

Calling for "Europe's awakening on security and defense" in the face authoritarian regimes such as Iran, Russia and North Korea working together, she nevertheless also tried to reassure EU countries fearing that the European Commission would make a power grab on defense.

"Let me be very clear that it will always be the member states responsible for their troops," the German politician told the audience, noting the recruitment, training, doctrine and deployment aspects. The EU, however, can act on areas where Brussels does have a competence, namely the single market, innovation, financing and R&D, she said.