The Commission proposes to loosen the EU spending rules to allow governments to strengthen their soldiers. According to Von Der Leyen, an increase in defense expenses equivalent to 1.5% of the gross domestic product over four years would result in around 650 billion euros.
Although scheduled for a certain time, her press announcement was designed Tuesday in reaction to the American decision to put the aid loop in Ukraine, two EU officials said. The European Investment Bank also announced that it proposed to modify its rules to facilitate the finance of defense projects.
EU diplomats and officials are still looking at the details of the proposals, but overall, it was described as a first step in the right direction.
“Von der Leyen tries to take the bull by the horns,” said a French minister who, like other cities here, has obtained anonymity to speak frankly. “But will the EU technocratic structure follow?”
Managers should also discuss how to use Russian assets that have been frozen since the start of the Ukraine War. Although the interests generated by the 200 billion euros in assets are already used to help finance aid, of countries, including France, to warm up at the more controversial idea of grasping the assets themselves, even if the opponents of the plan say that it will come up against legal obstacles and can cause financial instability.
Refusal of Hungary
There is already a battle that is preparing to send more military support to Ukraine. Officials expected the inclusion in the summit declaration, a plan announced last month by EU foreign affairs head, Kaja Kallas, to ship Ukraine at least 1.5 million cartridges of artillery ammunition this year, as well as other equipment such as air defense systems, missiles and drones.
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