One month ago, Vladimir Putin gave Russian troops the order to invade a sovereign, peaceful, neighbouring country. Europe reacted in unity and, in unprecedented solidarity, is imposing massive sanctions on Russia. But Putin's war against Ukraine is also a wake up call for all of us: the EU must play a bigger role in order to provide European citizens with more security in the challenging and dangerous world we live in and to be a global actor for peace.

That is why we welcome the Strategic Compass. This is a big step towards a genuine Defence Union and a more robust common security and defence policy, that is to be endorsed by 27 leaders at the European summit tomorrow. It sets out more ambitious ways for the EU to become a global player for peace, human security and sustainable development.

How? Through joint development and procurement of equipment - or a Rapid Deployment Capacity, a force of up to 5,000 troops that could be sent for emergency crises, such as evacuations. We cannot find ourselves in a situation like Afghanistan again, where we could not evacuate our own citizens from Kabul and had to rely on other countries’ capabilities.

High Representative Josep Borrell has engaged in great efforts to build this Strategic Compass. Now all member states must shift from words to action and finally deliver on European defence!