A strong backdrop, grumbles and decisions with critical political implications had emergency for the common European defense and on Thursday in Brussels. Many have spoken of a practical landing of Europe in the new reality of the US president, who activated his “satellites” in Old Epirus.
Although many questions remain unanswered. Concerning the continuation of Ukraine’s military support, a major political issue was caused: it was signed only by the leaders of the 26 states, with the footnote that Hungary disagrees.
Moaning for Macron meetings
The grunt started before the summit, when the European People’s Party (EPP) held the established meeting of the leaders of the center -right parties in Europe at a well -known Brussels hotel. A source of EPP told Vima that one of the issues raised was for the two informal meetings of the “alliance of willing” in Paris, where many European governments were excluded, including Greek.
The Croatian Prime Minister is reportedly Andrei Plenkovic He criticized Macron, saying that his actions cause “political consequences” for other national governments. Specifically, he said that such meetings put in a difficult position for those who were not invited because they have to explain to their peoples why they did not participate.
The source of EPP stressed that Plenkovic and the Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis They then jointly raised the issue at the summit of European leaders.
Ukraine and concern for leaks
After agreeing to the new defense plan, “To Vima” was informed that European leaders had decided to close themselves in a “without phones and assistants” room to discuss the issue of the mission of peacekeeping forces to Ukraine. Sources at the Summit said that the reason for the secrecy was the sensitivity of the issue.
However, ‘, Of his Slovakian counterpart Robert Fitso And, for some, the Italian Prime Minister Giorgia forced many leaders to be measured ». The hesitation of some leaders was attributed to concern for any information leaks “Either to Washington or to Moscow”as commented on a European diplomat in “Step” while maintaining his anonymity.
The Hungarian veto in support of Ukraine has worried many, despite the fact that the Brussels leadership has attempted to present the image of a united Europe and a Hungary in the role of the “black sheep”. The reflection lies in the fact that Budapest has been threatening with veto on various issues – with the last event European sanctions against Russia – but rarely does it.
At Thursday’s summit, however, Orban vetoed and the time period causes headaches in Brussels, because no one knows if it was a co -host or long -term strategy move in consultation with Washington. “Orban may have carried the veto to help Trump at this stage to increase pressure on Kiev in order to accept a peace deal.” They commented on diplomatic sources.
But there is also the case, according to the same sources, to be part of a wider strategy of destabilization in Europe if Trump deems it necessary. The day after the Summit, Orban made it clear that Budapest would not consent to Ukraine’s accession to the EU before 2030.
The “Turkey” factor
The defense also approved by the “27” the Commission’s plan to strengthen European defense capacity – including a common lending of 150 billion euros – as well as activating the stability of the stability. European officials pointed out that Member States will be able to spend money on the purchase of defense equipment from the countries they want, always compatible with NATO.
This is to support the European Defense Industry and the logic “Made in Europe”. It is, however, in favor of Trump’s position that has essentially blackmailing Europe to increase defense spending and, above all, to buy equipment from the US. It should be noted that since the beginning of the war in Ukraine three years ago, EU member states have only ordered 22% of their equipment from European arms industries, while most came from the US.
Also the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan He called on Brussels on Friday not to exclude the Turkish defense industry from European defense funding programs. Ankara’s enhanced presence in the European icon is also supported by Turkey’s willingness to send peace forces to Ukraine, and even at the forefront.
European diplomat commented indicatively that “Mobilization of 15,000 soldiers will not open a nose in Turkey”which is not the case for many European countries, he added. In addition, the diplomat stressed that, therefore, the presence of a large Turkish army in Ukraine – and even at the forefront – is coming out of many European governments out of the difficult position because they will rest on the safest second line of defense.
The approach between the EU and Turkey does not leave Athens indifferent, which is seeking a role in the next day of Ukraine in order to avoid “bargains outside the EU framework”. Diplomatic sources have said that Greece should be part of the peacekeeping forces in Ukraine in the context of the “coalition of the willing”. But it is not certain whether Athens will send army or other help (such as medical staff) as part of the peacekeeping forces.
Finally, we recall that there is the European Sky Shield initiative to create a missile shield that will protect Europe from attacks by Russia or Iran. It includes 23 states (with the last of Greece and Turkey that joined February 15).
