In an extraordinary summit on Thursday in Brussels, EU leaders will focus on the emergency police summit dedicated to defense and Ukraine. The EU leaders will discuss a crucial topic involving the ” Rearm Europe Plan,” proposed by Ursula von der Leyen, which outlines measures to increase defense spending to counter the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The plan aims to mobilize up to €800 billion by country to finance military investments in Europe’s defense sector, including air, missile, and defense systems, artillery, drones, and ammunition. This reflects Europe’s readiness to respond to the urgency of the conflict and address long-term security needs.
The USA has suspended all military aid to Ukraine, a move that is now putting pressure on the EU to increase its own assistance. EU leaders are urging the bloc to expand its defense spending, highlighting the need for better preparedness and resilience. The European Commission president emphasized that the EU is球员准备好提升其防御支出，同时回应目前的紧张态势，同时寻求解决长期的防御责任问题。这一提议正是 von der Leyen提出的”新工具”，为所有成员国提供 €150 billion 来支持其参与和扩展联合防御投入。
此外， von der Leyen还提出 Holder the Eurobonds for funding the bloc’s defense needs is so far opposed by members “friable” countries, including the Single taxation union and rough costs from the COVID-19 recovery fund. Activating the national escape clause of the Stability and Growth Pact, a framework that buffs EU member states’ economic growth, might be another key measure. This would allow members to avoid dependencies on defense spending.
According to the Commission leader, if EU countries increase their defense spending by 1.5% of GDP annually, over the future years, approximately €650 billion could be made available. This highlights a concerning disparity, with Poland investing 4.12% of its GDP in defense compared to Spain’s 1.12%. This disparity has led some nations to suggest expanding their defense savings and investments.
On Thursday, the EU leaders will meet to discuss the proposed measures, including expanding cohesion policy and the European Investment Bank’s capacity to finance defense projects. They will then address a draft conclusion, indicating that leadership might回调 to focus on the topic for a later summit in March, following the released EU paper on defense.
番外：扫清徽州民主要面孔。根据第一周的分析， fixture SZE憨 ture。
