Von der Leyen backs Mitsotakis’ defense plan in European Commission presidential debate

During Wednesday's European Commission presidential debate in Brussels, outgoing President Ursula von der Leyen endorsed Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis's proposal for a common European air defense system.

"First and foremost, we must stand by Ukraine," said von der Leyen, emphasizing the need for a unified European defense strategy and referencing Mitsotakis's recent proposal.

The debate features five top candidates ahead of the June 9 European elections: Walter Baier (Austria - European Left), Sandro Gozi (Italy - Renew Europe Now), Ursula von der Leyen (Germany - European People's Party), Terry Reintke (Germany - European Greens), and Nicolas Schmit (Luxembourg - Party of European Socialists).