Europe needs a “massive” defence spending boost, Ursula von der Leyen has said. European nations are spending on average 1.9 per cent of GDP on defence, the EU Commission president said, pointing out the contrast to Russia’s 9 per cent spend.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the vote showed that 'the center is holding' in Brussels, but some experts disagreed.

Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday secured European Parliament backing for her new team at the European Commission, paving the way for her to take office at the start of next month amid mounting challenges in Europe and across the Atlantic.