EU chief calls for defence 'surge', says 'time of illusions' over

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen during debate on support for Ukraine, as part of a plenary session at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, eastern France, on March 11, 2025. [AFP]

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday called for a "surge" in European defence spending, as the 27-nation bloc faces an aggressive Russia and faltering US support.

Addressing lawmakers in Strasbourg, von der Leyen said Europe's security order was "being shaken," suggesting the continent could no longer rely on "America's full protection".