By introducing a defense commissioner, Ursula von der Leyen’s second European Commission makes clear that Europe’s security is an urgent priority. Defense industrial policy will, by necessity, be a key focus.

The real benchmark for Europe turning into a geopolitical actor is its ability to militarily deter Russia and China. It is very far from reaching it.

In an increasingly competitive world the concept of European sovereignty has gained in currency. But it’s important to understand exactly what that means.