At the Globsec Forum 2024 security conference in Prague, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for greater European independence and responsibility in security matters. In her keynote speech, she emphasized that the EU needs a comprehensive reorientation of its security and defence policy in light of geopolitical tensions. „Protecting Europe is first and foremost Europe’s duty,“ explained von der Leyen. To this end, she will appoint a new EU Commissioner for Defense and advocate a stronger European pillar within NATO.