According to the results of a survey, support for backing Ukraine “until victory” is highest in Sweden (50%) and Denmark (40%), with significant backing in the United Kingdom (36%). However, these figures have dropped markedly compared to early in the year. Meanwhile, the number of people favoring peace negotiations has risen substantially in Italy, Spain, France, and Germany.
If Trump was to cut off U.S. financial aid to Ukraine, pressure on pro-war factions would only intensify. Germany alone is grappling with projected a €230-billion shortfall in its defense budget.
German Finance Minister Jorg Kukies has rejected the idea of joint EU borrowing for military funding, a position shared by a significant portion of the EU.
In 2025, the EU will not only need to address defense spending, but also manage funding for climate-friendly economic transitions, economic support measures, and the reconstruction of Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria. Former European Central Bank President Mario Draghi has spoken of an €800-billion investment need and emphasized the importance of joint borrowing, which would further increase the EU’s already substantial debt.
France and Italy are already burdened by EU deficit procedures, and Spain could face similar challenges. Meanwhile, Germany, constrained by the upcoming elections in February, is fiscally paralyzed. And if all that weren’t enough, the EU’s planned trade war with China over electric vehicles adds yet another layer of challenge and difficulty.
Cover photo: Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission (Photo: AFP)
Szóljon hozzá!
Jelenleg csak a hozzászólások egy kis részét látja. Hozzászóláshoz és a további kommentek megtekintéséhez lépjen be, vagy regisztráljon!