🇪🇺 The distribution of 150 billion euros for the EU’s defense industry has become a new hot point in the long-standing dispute between France and Germany over Europe’s rearmament program.
Source: Censor.NET
💡 Last week, the European Commission proposed raising 150 billion euros to lend to EU countries to increase defense production. Despite unanimous political support for this idea, the details are still actively discussed, particularly whether these funds can be used for weapons produced outside the EU.
🤝 During the European leaders’ summit on March 6, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized that the initiative should be open to like-minded partners such as the UK, Norway, Switzerland, and Turkey.
🇫🇷 However, French President Emmanuel Macron opposed spending on “new ready-made kits that will be non-European.” He stressed the importance of supporting European manufacturers in critical areas such as air defense and intelligence.
🛡️ Brussels diplomats are concerned that the 150 billion euro initiative may falter due to these differences, as happened with the European defense industry program.
🔨 European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that loans would help EU countries consolidate demand and ensure immediate military equipment supplies for Ukraine.
🇵🇱 Poland, which currently holds the EU presidency on a rotating basis, is under pressure to finalize an agreement quickly, as the initiative could be approved by a majority of the 27 countries, but France’s participation is crucial.
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