On September 13, 2026, in Brussels, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed the establishment of a European Security Council to enhance EU security policy and coordinate responses to hybrid threats. Von der Leyen emphasized the urgency of this proposal, stating, "This is even more urgent now, given the nature and scale of the risks at play," according to Politico Europe. The proposal aims to address the growing security challenges posed by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the aggressive actions of Russia and other adversaries.
Von der Leyen's initiative to create the European Security Council is seen as a direct response to the actions of former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, as reported by Politico Europe. The proposal seeks to strengthen the EU's ability to respond to hybrid threats, which include cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and other non-military tactics that undermine national security. "A territorial war of aggression is raging on our continent," von der Leyen said, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
The European Security Council would serve as a platform for member states to coordinate their security policies and ensure a unified response to emerging threats. This initiative could potentially overlap with NATO's existing security framework, raising concerns about jurisdiction and cooperation between the two organizations. "We see the world with the same eyes," von der Leyen said, emphasizing the shared vision between the EU and its allies, including Canada, as reported by France 24.
The proposal also underscores the EU's commitment to maintaining control over its own security policies. "The fate of Europe must remain in the hands of Europeans," von der Leyen stated, according to France 24. This sentiment reflects a broader push within the EU to assert its independence and reduce reliance on external actors, particularly NATO, in matters of security and defense.
The European Parliament is expected to discuss the proposal in the coming months, as reported by France 24. The parliament's approval will be crucial for the implementation of the European Security Council, which aims to enhance the EU's ability to respond to security challenges and protect its member states from hybrid threats.