There is no end to the Ukraine war in sight. In the long term, Ukraine will rely on massive support from its Western allies. Chancellor Scholz demands a clear signal.
A few days before the EU summit, Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) called on all Western allies to clearly commit to long-term help for Ukraine in its defense against Russia. “It is important that, especially in this situation, we signal together in Europe and far beyond to Ukraine that it can rely on our help,” he said at a press conference with the outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte in Berlin. He emphasized that this would also be an important message to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Scholz expects a long war
We now know that the war will drag on for a long time, said Scholz. “That’s why it’s also important to formulate a long-term perspective that we are prepared to support Ukraine for as long as it is necessary – and to the extent necessary.”
Scholz pointed out that Putin is counting on decreasing solidarity with Ukraine. “That would be an important message if we told him: Don’t count on it, we are ready to do what is necessary for as long as it is necessary.”
Ukraine warns of “devastating consequences”
At their summit on Thursday and Friday in Brussels, the heads of state and government of the European Union want to decide on the start of EU accession negotiations with Ukraine. However, Hungary has threatened a veto. Ukraine has warned of “devastating consequences” if this happens.
EU also advises on financial aid
The summit will also focus on financial aid for Ukraine as part of the negotiations on the long-term EU budget for the period 2021 to 2027. At the end of June, the EU Commission asked the member states for an additional 66 billion euros for the coming years, among other things to finance additional aid for Ukraine. Several countries strongly criticized the request, but did not question the aid to Ukraine. However, Hungary is threatening a blockade here too.
Tough negotiations expected at the summit
Tough negotiations are expected. It is unclear whether they might be postponed again. Scholz was determined to work towards an agreement at this summit. “As for the negotiations in Brussels, I would like to tell you that I am ready to go there and work intensively so that we can reach a common solution.” But it’s not there yet. “Because it won’t work without there being a change in spending items across the entire European budget. Not everything can be solved with fresh money.”
Source: Stern
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