European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is in favour of nominating an EU defence commissioner, she said at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, a high-profile gathering of world leaders to discuss the global security situation.
If she were to remain president of the EU's executive arm, she would appoint a commissioner for defence, the German politician said, adding that this would be sensible.
It is considered certain that von der Leyen will seek a second term as European Commission president. However, the 65-year-old has not stated her intentions publicly.
An announcement is expected on Monday, when the executive committee of von der Leyen's Christian Democrats (CDU), Germany's main opposition party, meets in Berlin. For von der Leyen to run again, her party would have to propose her as the candidate of the European People's Party (EPP), its faction in the European Parliament.
Wednesday is the deadline by which EPP candidates can be nominated for the post of president of the European Commission.
Von der Leyen, who previously served as German defence minister, has been European Commission president since 2019, with her term set to end on October 31.
In light of the changed security situation in Europe following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, representatives from several German parties including the CDU have spoken out in favour of appointing a commissioner for defence at EU level.
