Overview
- Ursula von der Leyen was honored with the International Charlemagne Prize in Aachen for her contributions to European unity
- She called on the EU to secure peace by allocating up to €800 billion for defense capabilities
- Von der Leyen outlined a roadmap that includes boosting innovation, strengthening democracy and pursuing Ukraine’s accession
- The ceremony drew support from King Felipe VI and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz for bolstering Europe’s strategic independence
- Leaders highlighted growing unease over U.S. defense commitments under the Trump administration as a driver for greater EU self-reliance