**The European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen warned that the United States had imposed duties on 70 percent of full EU trade. The scale and scope of these measures are unprecedented, but the Union prefers an agreement with the American administration. Von der Leyen besides stressed the request to increase defence spending in the face of the ongoing war in Ukraine. This is simply a minute of hazard for Europe, but besides a chance.**
As of February, the United States introduced duties on 70 percent of full trade with the European Union. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen stressed that the scale and scope of these measures are unprecedented.
- I'm sorry. Our position is clear: we are firm, but we like an agreement," said von der Leyen. She added that intensive talks were being held with the American administration, and she had a good conversation with president Trump this week.
EU seeks fresh trading partners
The Head of the EC stressed that the EU wanted to make a transparent framework on which long-term trade relations could be built. "This is simply a minute of hazard for Europe, but besides a chance - and it's up to us to usage it," added von der Leyen.
She pointed out that the EU had already concluded fresh trade agreements with Mercosur, Mexico and Switzerland. By the end of the year, the Union wants to conclude negotiations with India.
Russia carried out the biggest attack on Ukraine
The second subject of von der Leyen's speech was defence and security. The EC president recalled that last week Russia carried out the largest massive attack on Ukraine so far - over 500 rockets and drones hit Ukraine within hours.
On the night of Tuesday for Wednesday, Russian forces attacked a evidence number of 728 drones and 13 rockets. The war is inactive going on. The threat from Russia does not disappear. This is simply a reality that we must remember erstwhile we talk about defending Europe - she pointed out.
16 countries increase defence spending
The Head of the EC has announced that 16 associate States have already launched the alleged national exit clause to increase defence spending without violating EU fiscal rules. The EC has previously presented the ReArm Europe Plan and the 2030 Gothship document, which are intended to increase investment in the defence sector to EUR 800 billion by 2030.
Von der Leyen announced that the EC is working on a road map for EU defence preparedness, which she is preparing for the October European Council. Under the SAFE Defence Finance Programme, 10 countries have already reported a willingness to usage credits worth a full of EUR 150 billion for joint arms purchases.
Cooperation with the Ukrainian arms industry
- I'm sorry. It's not just how much we spend, it's how we do it. We request more interoperability and more investment to stay in Europe," said von der Leyen during the EP debate.
The EC Head besides stressed the importance of cooperation with the Ukrainian arms sector. As she pointed out, EU countries will be able to usage EU funds to order equipment straight from Ukrainian producers.
- I'm sorry. For Ukraine, it is simply a key gross and a chance to make its own industrial base. For us - modern, fast and inexpensive production - she said. Von der Leyen besides called on the EP and the Council to rapidly adopt a legislative package simplifying the principles of state aid and allowing the expansion of defence facilities.
- I'm sorry. It cannot be that the extension of the existing mill lasts more than a year, and the reason for the refusal may be besides much parking - she said.
(PAP/Strasburg) Note: This article was edited with Artificial Intelligence.
