Suche
Austria's new course: massive upgrade for Europe's security!
The European Union faces a significant change in its defense strategies. At the upcoming EU summit in Brussels, the initiative will be a central topic to increase defense spending and the support of Ukraine. Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP) announced that Austria will actively participate in the planned arms projects of the EU in order to increase defense expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2032. Stocker referred to the need to improve the security situation in Europe, especially in the context of the challenges of Russia, which is considered "a fundamental threat to the security of Europe", as the EU Commission warns. According to the Krone, Austria intends ...
Austria's new course: massive upgrade for Europe's security!
The European Union faces a significant change in its defense strategies. At the upcoming EU summit in Brussels, the initiative will be a central topic to increase defense spending and the support of Ukraine. Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP) announced that Austria will actively participate in the planned arms projects of the EU in order to increase defense expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2032. Stocker referred to the need to improve the security situation in Europe, especially in the context of the challenges of Russia, which is considered "a fundamental threat to the security of Europe", as the EU Commission warns. According to Krone Austria intends to make use of the new EU instruments to finance armaments investments that allow the Member States to take up new debts without the risk of deficit procedure.
armor investments and support for Ukraine
EU foreign representative Kaja Kallas has withdrawn her demand for enormous help for Ukraine before the summit. Instead of a requested 40 billion euros, she is now aiming for the delivery of five billion euros in the form of artillery ammunition, as orf.at . This is the same as a armor plan that aims to deliver two million artillery bullets to Ukraine. In view of the decreasing support from the United States, the EU calls for a rapid implementation of its upgrading plans to strengthen the self -defense capabilities of Europe and support Ukraine.
The Commission plans to set up a new EU fund of 150 billion euros for defense investments. In addition to the joint procurement of weapon systems, this should also promote deeper cooperation between the EU countries in order to create interoperable defense systems. An important aspect is the loosening of the EU debt rules for armaments investments so that the member states can acquire suitable financial means without getting into a deficit procedure. These initiatives could also enable additional military aids for Ukraine and strengthen the strategic autonomy of Europe, while the dependence on US security guarantees is reduced.