EU Cannot Rely Only on Rules-Based Order, Warns Von der Leyen

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Monday that the European Union can no longer rely only on the rules-based international order to protect itself from modern threats, urging the bloc to reconsider how it safeguards its interests in a more uncertain global security environment.

Speaking at a conference of EU ambassadors in Brussels, von der Leyen said the international order built after World War II is facing pressure from geopolitical tensions, new security challenges and shifts in global power dynamics. While the EU continues to support international rules and multilateral cooperation, she said those structures alone may not be enough to address today’s risks.

• Ursula von der Leyen warns EU cannot rely only on rules-based order
• EU urged to rethink security strategy amid global tensions
• Europe pushes for stronger strategic autonomy and defense cooperation

“We will always defend and uphold the rules-based system that we helped to build with our allies,” von der Leyen said. However, she noted that Europe cannot assume that these rules will automatically protect its interests in the current geopolitical climate.

Her remarks come as conflicts, economic rivalry and strategic competition place pressure on international institutions and agreements. European policymakers have increasingly discussed the need for stronger EU security coordination and greater geopolitical influence for the bloc.

Von der Leyen said the EU must examine whether its current institutions and decision-making structures are suited to today’s challenges. Many of these frameworks were created in the decades following World War II, a period defined by stability and cooperation among Western allies.

According to von der Leyen, Europe must also be prepared to act more decisively when its interests are at stake. This includes strengthening defense cooperation, improving economic resilience and ensuring faster political decision-making within the EU.

The comments reflect ongoing debate in Europe about strategic autonomy, a concept that calls for the EU to reduce dependence on external powers in security, technology and economic policy.

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Despite the warning, von der Leyen said the EU will continue to support international law and work with global partners. She said Europe must update its approach to security and diplomacy so it can protect its interests and values in a changing global environment.