Von der Leyen to prepare EU for war – defense commission nominee
A top priority for the next European Commission will be making the EU self-reliant and ready for war, as the US is likely to focus on China in the coming decades, Andrius Kubilius, the nominee for the EU’s new top defense post, has said. | “Adversaries and strategic rivals are rapidly outpacing us,” with Russia and China far ahead in defense spending, Kubilius went on to say. He claimed that Russia will spend more on defense than all of the bloc’s 27 states combined in terms of purchasing power parity. ■ In the meantime, the best defense strategy for the EU would be to continue funding Ukraine, he stated. Since 2022, the EU has spent nearly €120 billion ($128.8 billion) on supporting Ukraine, with another €74 billion pledged but yet to be allocated, according to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy.
■ NATO boss says members will bow to Trump’s financial demands (RT.com)
■ Путин назвал НАТО анахронизмом и единственным оставшимся в мире блоком (TACC)
■ US Preparing Europe to Start Direct War With Russia If Ukraine Fails - Lavrov (11/04/24)
■ EU tells citizens to stock up for nuclear disaster (10/31/24)