France, March 11 -- EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has urged the European parliament to ramp up defence spending, as leaders mobilise to find common ground on the military future of the continent.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called for a "surge" in European defence spending, urging the continent to take greater responsibility for its security.

Tuesday's remarks at the European parliament in Strasbourg coincide with French President Emmanuel Macron's gathering of military chiefs from 30 European and NATO countries in Paris to discuss Ukraine and wider security challenges.

"Europe's security order is being shaken," von der Leyen warned, stressing that the continent can no longer assume "America's ...