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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed creating a European Security Council to strengthen the continent’s response to Russia’s growing threats.
Von der Leyen proposed it on Wednesday during her annual State of the Union address.
She said the council could include EU members and partners such as Britain, Ukraine, Canada and Norway.
“For a long time, we have discussed a leaders’ format focused on the security of our continent, with partners like Canada, Norway, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and others involved.”
“This is even more urgent now, given the nature and scale of the risks at play,” she said.
Von der Leyen said the European Commission would set out plans to make the security council a reality.
She also warned that Europe faces growing Russian “hybrid attacks” targeted at weakening support for Ukraine.
“Europe needs its own counter-hybrid playbook,” she said, calling for a common response to incidents that fall below armed aggression but threaten national security.
The EU chief also proposed an “emergency security protocol” that would allow any member state to call urgent talks during a crisis.
Meanwhile, she pledged stronger European support for Ukraine as Russia increases attacks before winter.
“We will give our strongest-ever support to Ukraine over the toughest winter of the war,” she added.
The EU plans to provide humanitarian aid and help strengthen Ukraine’s electricity and heating supplies.
Von der Leyen also backed plans to develop an affordable, modular missile-defence system jointly with Ukraine.
She said Europe would further develop its own military capabilities through a proposed “new European instrument for strategic enablers”.
