Ursula Von Der Leyen has been nominated to become the EU’s next European Commission President and replace Jean-Claude Juncker. This, in turn, means that she would play a potentially integral role in the next stage of Brexit negotiations for the UK. An interview with CNBC earlier this year in January has revealed the former German Defence Minister’s excitement for a “European Defence Union”.
She told CNBC: “I see Europe in a completely different light.
“Look at the economic power that Europe has.
“Countries are standing in line to negotiate free trade treaty agreements with Europe for example.
“Europe has managed to speak with one voice where the Brexit negotiations are concerned.
“We are very sorry about Brexit, you know that, but we have managed to speak with one voice to have a firm position.
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“Interestingly over the last two years, Europe managed to start the European defence Union.
“So to step forward in a completely new field, to take on responsibility and show our public in Europe that protection means we have to be able to act in our neighbourhood when it is our interests and concerns.”
The CNBC replied with a slew of more questions and said: “I’m wondering if there is new leadership needed for Germany once again.
“It is the strongest economy in Europe and has one of the best economic profiles.
“I spoke to Oliver Bate of Allianz earlier this morning.
“I’ve got a question for you, why has it taken you so long for you to get to the kind of levels that you have promised to get to?”
Mrs Von Der Leyen replied: “The starting point five years ago was extremely low.
“You know after reunification we all thought peace was dominating and we all cut back on our armed forces.
“The German armed forces was at its absolute lowest level five years ago when I came into office.
“Now we have for the fifth time in a row a rise in budget, overall 36 percent which is quite a lot in the large budget we have for the armed forces.”
