Ursula von der Leyen pledged on Thursday to launch European Union defense projects including a European air shield, and vowed not to roll back green policies, if she wins a second five-year term as head of the European Commission.

In a 31-page document setting out her vision, before EU lawmakers vote to elect or reject her later on Thursday, she committed to propose new climate policies and focus on building a "true European defense union."

"We will propose a number of Defense Projects of Common European Interest starting with a European Air Shield and cyber defense," said the published document.