The European Union already has its Defense white paper, the document that contains the keys to the major rearmament that Europe must face. It will serve "to face the worst," as explained by the EU's chief diplomat, Kaja Kallas, calling for massive investment in missiles, ammunition, air defense, or drones. In specific and completely warlike aspects, contrasting significantly with the position of the Government's president.
Pedro Sánchez has not even appeared in the Congress of Deputies, his Defense plan is unknown, and tomorrow he will attend another key meeting of presidents in Brussels without informing the Spanish society of the real threat posed by Russia.
As previously reported by EL MUNDO, the EU also urges member states to act swiftly. They should start the "massive" and "sustained" military spending and "encourages" governments to activate "before the end of April" the escape clauses that offer up to 650,000 million in fiscal space. This represents a slight extension from the initial plans, as the first drafts pointed to "before April."
However, the pressure on countries is significant, making it clear that a long-term commitment is necessary. It will not be enough to approve credits without going through Congress and moving funds from one Ministry to another to disguise the figures, as Sánchez intends. A Defense 2030 agenda is needed, as highlighted by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, yesterday.
Both Kallas and Defense Commissioner, Lithuanian Andrius Kubilius, have emphasized that "Europe must be prepared for war if it wants to avoid war," and have mentioned the up to 800,000 million euros allocated to Von der Leyen's Defense plan. To reach that figure, in addition to activating the escape clauses, the EU offers 150,000 million in loans.
For now, there is no consideration of Eurobonds as non-repayable funds, similar to those approved in the Recovery Plan. But some countries, with Spain at the forefront, will continue to fight for it.
What is clear is that within the 150,000 million mechanism, European industry will be prioritized. The document states that "the infrastructure, plants, assets, and resources" of companies benefiting from purchases financed with this instrument "must be located in the territory of a Member State, an EFTA state, or in Ukraine." Additionally, at least 65% of the components of the products must originate from these territories.
This means that Made in Europe is imposed as much as possible, considering that the European Defense industry has deficiencies and limitations. It is not in a position to meet all the needs that member countries will present, as acknowledged by the Commission itself.
Therefore, Brussels wants the significant investment in Defense that will be unleashed to also generate a kind of virtuous economic circle: that spending drives innovation and technology in the Defense industry, extends to the civil industry, and represents the competitive boost that Europe so desperately needs.