Brussels response

The project ‘Europe’s re -equipment – readiness 2030“EUR 800 billion will prepare the strategic autonomy of the” block “amidst the constant” challenges “of security.

‘MToday we unite the dots between the defensive potential of the Member States, the military capabilities of the bloc with new financial options, in particular the projects and with the aim of strengthening our defense industry.“, Commented a European official.

Among the 5 total funding ‘pillars»Is also the new borrowing tool of the Member States, Safe of 150 billion euros, as well as the famous application of the national” escape “clause and which”will be activated in a fairly controlled manner, analog and with a specified time margin“

In particular, a 4 -year budgetary “space” is given, as well as the ability to calculate defense spending from 2021 with retroactive power, which may serve countries, such as France in the process of excessive deficit. Overall, “flexibility” from the strict rules of the new stability and development pact allows Member States to increase up to 1.5% of their GDP, additional defense costs.

With the main aim of immediate military reinforcement of Ukraine, an interesting proposal is also the ability of the Commission to buy Member States through the new tool: the European Military Sales Mechanism.

However, a basic prerequisite for the Commission to function as a “central body” of weapons of weapons on the part of the “block” will be a request from Member States, as has been the case with vaccines during the pandemic, as defense remains national competence, as European officials clarify.

A separate chapter is the strengthening of corporate defense relations with third countries. However, their main criterion for participation in joint commissions and contracts – but not in loans – is the signing of a corporate security and defense relationship with the EU. These agreements have already been signed by third countries such as Moldova, Norway, Japan, South Korea, Northern Macedonia and recently Albania, but not the United Kingdom and Turkey.

Due to Greece’s increased concerns about Turkey’s involvement in these defense programs, the text of the “White Bible” states that “the EU It will continue to participate constructively for the development of mutually beneficial partnerships in all areas of common interest based on the equal commitment on the Turkish side to go on a course of cooperation on all important issues on the basis of the conclusions of the European Council, where the April 204 is in the midst Southeast Mediterranean.