EU chief proposes a European Security Council with partners including Ukraine, Canada, and the U.K. — plus a threat-alert system independent of NATO

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed the creation of a European Security Council, which would bring together EU leaders and representatives from partner countries such as Ukraine, Canada, Norway, and the United Kingdom. Speaking during her annual address to the European Parliament, von der Leyen emphasized the urgency of addressing security risks on the continent, particularly in light of recent cyberattacks, acts of sabotage, and drone incursions into EU territory.

The new council would complement NATO's Article 4, allowing for emergency consultations over incidents that may threaten security or territory. Von der Leyen also called for Canada to be granted associate membership in the EU, though EU treaties currently do not provide for this status. She highlighted the need for consensus on how to respond to various security incidents, stating that Europe requires its own playbook for countering hybrid threats.

The EU has pledged extensive support for Ukraine, including humanitarian aid, bolstering electricity and heat supplies, and strengthening air defenses during the upcoming winter. Concerns have grown in Europe about Russia potentially attacking a NATO country on its eastern flank, such as a Baltic state, with Russian President Vladimir Putin warning against deploying troops to Ukraine.