European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen has proposed to EU leaders the launch of a Europe-led initiative to establish a structured trade cooperation with Asian countries, potentially laying the groundwork for an alternative to the gridlocked World Trade Organisation (WTO).

European countries are jointly working on a deterrence strategy against any external aggression, which is expected to be ready by 2030, stated European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the Defense Industry Forum.