EU leaders approve massive European rearmament plan
LA HAYA, the Netherlands - European Union leaders concluded a busy week for defence, approving on Thursday a historic plan to unlock a total of EUR 800 billion (USD 866 billion) in European military spending, although some political rifts emerged.
The bloc hopes to mark a turning point in the continent's history in the face of Russia's war with Ukraine, seen by many here as an initial move towards broader territorial aspirations, and a feared abandonment by the US under President Trump.
The spending plan is explicitly designed to reduce dependence on America for arms and security, with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stating that Europe 'must buy more European' and strengthen the European defence technological and industrial base. It also focuses on joint procurement, a growing trend across the continent that promises to bind countries even closer together. According to the plan, joint procurement will also be open to Ukraine and other countries in the EU's sphere of influence.
There was some bickering over details.
Spain would like to include cybersecurity and climate change mitigation in the definition of 'defence', which leading EU officials have rejected as 'disguised defence'.
And Italy, a long-time supporter of common loans and European purchases, has suddenly changed its position on these points, now questioning the EU's plans, apparently concerned about the granting of more powers to the EU that were previously reserved for national governments.
Hungary, meanwhile, maintained its stated position of 'weapons for Europe yes, weapons for other countries no' - a reflection of Budapest's distaste for military aid to Ukraine.
Despite the atmosphere of new self-awareness, progress, in particular support for Ukraine, faltered somewhat as old divisions within the bloc resurfaced.
At the heart of those holding back were the usual suspects Hungary and Slovakia, whose Russia-friendly governments have often threatened to block European support for Ukraine or new sanctions against Moscow. As was the case at an emergency summit earlier this month, precipitated by the disastrous meeting at the White House between Ukrainian President Zelensky and US President Trump, the EU fell just short of the consensus in emphasising its continued support for Ukraine.
Only Hungary refused to sign the joint declaration promising Europe's continued commitment to provide military and financial aid to Ukraine.
An EU plan to mobilise €40 billion in additional support for Ukraine appeared unworkable, and even a scaled-down version of €5 billion focused solely on artillery shells seemed poised going into Friday. European diplomats complained that the initiative had been undermined by failing to consult relevant stakeholders in advance, with France - the union's leading military power - hesitant to support the initiative.
To date, the EU has provided EUR 139.2 billion to Ukraine, including EUR 49.3 billion in military support.
Despite the obstacles, the EU moved at lightning speed - at least by Brussels standards - to fill the power vacuum left by a US withdrawal and showed remarkable unity in doing so.
"What has changed... is the new sense of urgency. Because something fundamental has changed," Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told reporters in Brussels earlier this month. "Our European values - democracy, freedom and the rule of law - are under threat."
Published by Condoralex
Born Alessandro Generotti, C.le Maj. Parachutist on leave. Military Parachutist Patent no. 192806. 186th RGT Par. Folgore/5th BTG. Par. El Alamein/XIII Cp. Par. Condor.
Founder and administrator of the website BRIGATAFOLGORE.NET. Blogger and computer scientist by profession.
