EU chief calls for defence surge, says ‘time of illusions’ over

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday called for a "surge" in European defence spending, as the 27-nation bloc faces an aggressive Russia and faltering US support.

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Addressing lawmakers in Strasbourg, von der Leyen said Europe's security order was "being shaken,” suggesting the continent could no longer rely on "America's full protection". "The time of illusions is now over. Europe is called to take greater charge of its own defence," the European Commission president told the EU's parliament.

"We need a surge in European defence. And we need it now."

Brussels has already sent a clear signal it is moving in that direction, with EU leaders last week endorsing a commission plan aimed at mobilising up to 800 billion euros ($860 billion) to boost defence spending.