The Greens have expressed support for the assumption of European debt to finance additional defense expenditures, in contrast to Chancellor Olaf Scholz of the Social Democratic Party (SPD). “Our goal is peace in freedom and for that, we must strengthen European defense, that’s completely clear” said Greens party chair Franziska Brantner to the “New Osnabrück Times” (Thursday edition).
“In the face of the threat from Russia, we must discuss all options for investing in our security with the highest priority and if necessary, also with joint credits” the Greens’ leader said. “By doing so, we could get more out of every euro invested in our security.”
Several Baltic and Eastern European EU member states are calling for so-called Defense Bonds, or EU bonds, to finance the additional defense spending. Chancellor Olaf Scholz of the SPD rejected the idea at the EU summit last week.
“More money is not enough, we must also use it more efficiently” Brantner further emphasized. “We need a high-performance, European arms market – with joint development, production and procurement” the Greens’ leader said. “If we approach this together, we will be all the stronger. If not all 27 member states participate, those who have the will to do so should take the lead to establish a European Security Union – and we should also bring the British on board.”
The latter have shown a growing willingness to cooperate more closely with the EU in many areas. “When, if not now?” Brantner urged, citing the daily growth of doubts about the reliability of Donald Trump and the intention of Vladimir Putin to destroy the European peace order.
“At the joint procurement, we must not stop at reconnaissance drones or air defense, but must also be able to better counter hybrid attacks” Brantner told the NOZ. This includes, for example, incorporating European cyber defense and the necessary high technology, with the required investments. “We must take the money in hand to avert the far higher costs of potential damage. We can only hold our ground if we are at the forefront in the economy, technology and defense.