EU crisis summit
From the Leyen proposes 800 billion plan for upgrading Europe
EU Commission President of the Leyen sees the security of Europe threatened. With a gigantic fund, the countries should strengthen defense – and support Ukraine.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed a plan to strengthen European defense spending, which claims to be mobilized up to 800 billion euros. The security of Europe is really threatened, said von der Leyen in Brussels. “This is the hour of Europe and we have to do justice to her,” she said. “We are in an era of upgrading and Europe is ready to massively increase its defense spending.”
Just a few hours before the Leyens explanation, the US government announced that the military aid for Ukraine for the time being-a few days after the scandal when visiting the Ukrainian President Wolodymyr Selenskyj in the White House. The step should have drastic consequences for Ukraine. Since the public dispute between Selenskyj and Trump, the voices have also become voices that Europe urgently had to do more for its defense itself.
New debts for more security – and strengthening Ukraine
Among other things, Leyen’s plan provides for a new fund of 150 billion euros to increase defense investments in the EU, including for military aid for Ukraine. The funds should be available in particular for air and rocket defense, artillery systems, drones and cyber security.
“This is about better and common editions,” said von der Leyen. Member States could bundle their demand, shop together and at the same time strengthen support for Ukraine.
In addition, the alternative clause of the stability and growth pact is to be activated. It should allow Member States to make new debts for defense expenditure without having to fear an EU deficit procedure.
From the Leyen hopes that their proposal, together with private capital and additional funds for the European investment bank, could mobilize almost 800 billion euros for defense. She presented her plan shortly before a special summit to Ukraine on Thursday. There, the EU heads and government heads want to advise, among other things, how to continue the European armaments industry.
Dpa
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Source: Stern
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