Speaking in Strasbourg on Wednesday morning, von der Leyen told parliament that Europe needed to ramp up its defense spending in the face of the growing threat from Russia.

“We have no time to waste, and we must be as ambitious as the threats are serious,” said von der Leyen, adding that there was “something wrong” that Moscow was spending up to 9% of its GDP on defense compared to the EU’s 1.9%.

Previously, von der Leyen has warned that the EU needed to spend 526 billion dollars over the next decade on defense to keep pace with Russia and China.

Von der Leyen’s words reflect the sense of urgency that has come to pass since Donald Trump’s re-election, with the president-elect himself openly admitting that he could drastically reduce American military support for both Ukraine and Europe.

Referring to the challenges faced by the EU, von der Leyen appealed for unity: “Our freedom and sovereignty depend more than ever on our economic strength. Our security depends on our ability to compete, innovate and produce,” she said.

The EC’s executive also doubled down on her support for Ukraine’s European aspirations: “We want Ukraine as part of the European Union, so we will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes,” she said.

Von der Leyen’s remarks come just days before a new 27-member commission led by her begins its mandate.

Among others, the new-look commission sees the appointment of vocal Kremlin critics such as ex-Estonian prime minister Kaja Kallas, who will become the bloc’s top diplomat, and former Lithuanian prime minister, Andrius Kubilius, who will take on the role of defense and space commissioner.