Head of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen She commented on Sunday on the words of French president Emmanuel Macron, who had previously announced "opening the debate on extending the French atomic umbrella to European partners".
– atomic deterrence will always be a national prerogative, national, therefore, the European Commission will not comment on these issues," she stated at the conference after a speech on the first 100 days of the fresh EC term.
100 days KE. Von der Leyen on defence investment plans
Von der Leyen, asked whether in the future she would propose common EU debt to increase investment in defenceShe replied that Europe is at specified a time that nothing is excluded. The EC president called the "historical" European plan presented last week due to the fact that it would be the foundation in her view Defence Union. So far – as she added – investing in The defence manufacture was a strict NATO domain.
– We can see that sovereignty, but besides iron commitments are contested. Everything has become transactional. So, the pace of change accelerated, and the actions that are needed must be courageous and decisive," said von der Leyen.
In summary the first 100 days of its fresh Commission She stressed that what had changed at the time was that it was urgent to take certain measures, due to the fact that "something fundamental has changed". – Our European values, democracy, freedom, the regulation of law are at risk She said.
According to the president of the European Commission, the green light of the ‘27’ leaders at the summit in Brussels could be mobilise up to EUR 800 billion for defence. EUR 150 billion is to be loans guaranteed by the EU budget, which will be utilized by associate States. However, a crucial part of the money is to come from National budgets – associate States will be able to increase defence spending utilizing the von der Leyen plan A simpler EU budgetary rules.
"European Shopping". The request for fast improvement of the defence industry
The EC president besides commented on the ongoing discussions on whether the common EU money should be spent on weapons imported from outside the Union, or, as France wishes, exclusively on European technologies. Von der Leyen said that if most of the €800 billion were spent abroad, it would not be beneficial for Europe. “I am aware that we are talking about gradually expanding “buy European” – she noted.
She stressed that the question of what "European Shopping" They're meant to be in practice. She noted that Norwaywhich is not in the EU, has "Excellent" submarines. She besides indicated United Kingdom. “We request to think about how to do this, but in general our plan must besides translate into research, improvement and fresh jobs here in Europe”, said von der Leyen.
– I'm saying it's going to happen gradually due to the fact that the reason we're spending present 80% on defence (buying weapons) outside the EU, is that we request it urgently now and these abilities are not here – she said. The transition to European technologies will require changes in the defence industry, consolidation and enhanced cooperation opportunities for European companies.
SEE: "A atomic umbrella over Europe". Declaration by the president of France
In her opinion, the best example of this The fast improvement of the defence manufacture is Ukraine. "There was almost nothing there erstwhile the war started, and present there is simply a immense number of companies producing drones – cheaper, faster," she stressed.
– We must unlock all possible in the face of circumstantial threats. And if we can join forces with another likewise reasoning countries specified as Britain, Norway or Canada, the possible is even greater," said von der Leyen.
The EC chief said The United States remains an allyEurope and the United States more links than divides. However, as she added, there can be no way to keep the model from the past 30 years, which has led to a immense imbalance in arms spending, and a crucial majority of defence work rests with the US. “We request to do this homework,” she stressed.
Merz for close cooperation with Paris
Candidate for the German Chancellor Friedrich Merz supports cooperation to strengthen atomic deterrence in Europe. On Sunday on Deutschlandfunk's radio, he said that he felt that sharing atomic weapons should be discussed with Paris and London.
– We inactive have 2 atomic powers in Europe. These are France and the United Kingdom said Merz. In his opinion, talks should always be held with a view to complementing American umbrella nuclear, "which we evidently want to keep."
Sharing atomic weapons is part of the concept of deterring NATO. The United States grants any NATO partners – including Germany – access to atomic bombs in the event of war. The Bundeswehra has aircraft that can carry US atomic bombs to designated targets," writes the dpa agency.
Nuclear weapons in Poland. Leszek Miller has concerns
Saturday on the show Presidents and Prime Ministers Waldemar Pawlak, Krzysztof Bielecki, Leszek Miller and Bronisław Komorowski discussed the global situation, including atomic weapons. Let us callback that the president of France was publically divisive about this, suggesting "an extension of the atomic umbrella to its European partners".
– It is simply a good time to consider whether Poland should have atomic weapons," said Leszek Miller. As he added, we inactive request the means to carry it. These are terrible amounts. I fear the economy will collapse – he explained. More HERE.
