A leading figure in the European Affairs Committee of the German Bundestag, Anton Hofreiter of the Greens, has welcomed the 800-billion-euro plan proposed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, which aims to increase military spending in Europe.
According to a statement to the “Rheinische Post” (Wednesday’s edition), Hofreiter described the proposal as “right and long overdue.” He emphasized the urgent need for a rapid response package for Ukraine, which is a top priority.
In the long term, Hofreiter believes the funds will be necessary for the defense of the EU and the modernization of infrastructure. He urged von der Leyen to explain at the upcoming European summit how she intends to make the funds available, so that the measures can take effect quickly.
Hofreiter also called for Germany to explicitly support the proposal, stating that it would be a crucial first step in becoming less dependent on the support of the US, which is increasingly leaning towards Russia.