- The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, remains optimistic that the demands of Poland and the Baltic countries will be implemented – writes Thomas Gottsker, FAZ correspondent in Brussels.
- Poland and three Baltic states presented a new proposal during the summit for EU funding to build a military barrier on the borders with Belarus and Russia.
- Scholz expressed his opposition, saying he would not allow the tanks to be purchased with European money, and perhaps with other equipment.
- Unexpectedly, he received the support of Emmanuel Macron.
- As FAZ wrote – Donald Tusk, Greek Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Estonian Kaja Kallas, Danish Mette Frederiksen and others reacted angrily.
Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung reports on budget funding dispute on Saturday European Union European defence initiatives.
“Advisor He categorically excluded arms purchases from the EU budget, and treated the Poles, the Baltic states and others harshly. Their only hope is (European Commission President) Ursula von der Leyen, who sees new debts as one of the possible options,” wrote Thomas Gutschäcker, FAZ correspondent in Brussels.
Disharmony during the European Union summit
Although Schulz considered the EU summit a “sign of unity,” the meeting of EU leaders was far from harmonious, and the Chancellor had a “decisive role” in it – we read in the FAZ newspaper report. He explains that the reason for the differences are issues related to defense policy and the role of the European Union. FAZ explains that Poland and the three Baltic countries have submitted a new proposal to the European Union to finance a military barrier on the borders with Belarus and Russia. Its cost – on the Polish border only – amounts to 2.5 billion euros.
Scholz expressed his opposition, saying he would not allow the purchase of tanks with European money, and possibly other equipment later, writes Gutschker. At the press conference, the chancellor presented his position “more clearly than ever.” He rejected financing the armaments with Eurobonds, stressing that joint debt was incompatible with EU treaties.
Macron supports Schulz
As Gottschäfer writes, the French president’s support for Schulz came as a big surprise. Emmanuel MacronThe author pointed out that it was French Commissioner Thierry Breton who initiated the discussion about the 100 billion euro European defense fund.
As EU diplomats made clear, Macron and Schulz had a common goal. “They both do not agree to donate their own money to the Poles and the Baltic countries to strengthen their defense potential and then buy military equipment in America.” Macron still supports eurobonds, but wants to invest the money in European industry, in which France plays a leading role.
Task, Klass and others are angry.
As “FAZ” wrote – Donald Tusk, Greek Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Estonian Kaja Kallas, Danish Mette Frederiksen and others reacted angrily. Under their pressure, only one change was made to the final document, although Germany demanded 17 amendments. However, the change concerns the central entrance. The part about joint support for defense initiatives has been removed – we read in the “FAZ”.
According to Goucher, much now depends on von der Leyen, who has “bigger ambitions than Schulz.” The President of the European Commission does not intend to resign. FAZ reports that in the campaign preceding the European Parliament elections, von der Leyen supported the Polish-Greek joint anti-aircraft defense plan. The writer stated that Germany refused to approve the European Union fund designated to eliminate the effects of the epidemic for a long time, only to accept it in the end.
“If a situation arises in which Russia threatens EU countries militarily, Berlin may see a change in its approach to Eurobonds for defense purposes,” Gutschker concludes.
After the European Union summit, Donald Tusk said, during a press conference, that “Poland has achieved 100 percent of what we expected in terms of defense and security projects.”
FAZ comment: No more debt
In a separate comment, Nicholas Bossi supported Chancellor Schulz’s position.
“The fact that Europe must do more to defend itself is clear. It is also clear that a lot of money is needed. But this does not mean that we should resort to the EU budget and take on common debts,” wrote FAZ.
He also stressed that defence policy is a national issue for legitimate reasons. On questions of whether to have it or not, each country should be able to decide for itself and act on its own. “You cannot turn every major project into a redistribution programme in the EU,” he stressed. Spending decisions remain primarily the responsibility of national governments, and if more money is needed for armaments, spending elsewhere should be cut if necessary.
According to the commentator, the creation of a joint military budget is also not necessary from a military perspective. “The West won the Cold War without taking on common debt,” Boss believes. “Armament implemented through the EU will likely take longer or be more expensive, which will only benefit Putin.” In his opinion, the European Union should not compete with NATO “through an industrial gateway”, because it does not have the necessary experience or resources. This position will also be true if America limits its participation in NATO.
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