EU set to consider security pledge to Ukraine – World News
But Hungary and Slovakia strongly opposed sending weapons to Kiev
The European Union has offered a framework of security commitments for Ukraine to its member states, seeking to significantly bolster Kiev’s military power and bring it closer to the West, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday. However, several EU countries opposed arms deliveries to Kiev, while expressing doubts about accession talks.
The draft document seen by the agency will be discussed by EU decision-makers in the coming days and weeks, and calls for… “A predictable, effective, sustainable and long-term mechanism for the provision of military equipment” To Kiev, training its forces, and exchanging intelligence information.
The proposal also includes strengthening cooperation with the Ukrainian defense industry and enhancing its cyber capabilities. Other points focus on helping the country with reforms to pave the way for its eventual accession to the European Union.
However, an EU diplomat told Bloomberg that the bloc’s initial plan to allocate 20 billion euros ($21.8 billion) to supply weapons to Ukraine is at risk, as several member states, including Germany, have failed to reach a compromise on the terms. Instead, EU members hope to agree on a €5 billion aid package for next year.
This comes after German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius confirmed numerous reports last week that the EU would not meet its target of delivering one million artillery shells by next spring, while questioning whether the goal had already been achieved. “TRUE” in the first place.
Although many EU countries have strongly supported Ukraine’s war against Russia and supported its ambition to join the bloc, the current support policy has sparked criticism in some countries.
Hungary has been particularly vocal in this regard, consistently opposing any military aid to Kiev. This position was recently echoed by Slovakia, whose newly elected Prime Minister, Robert Fico, campaigned on a promise not to send “one round” To Ukraine.
Hungary has also opposed Ukraine’s potential membership of the European Union, arguing that it might do so “bring war” To the block.
Although Slovakia supported Ukraine’s ambitions to join the European Union, it said that the path to accession would be long and thorny.
Earlier this month, the EU recommended opening formal membership talks, and a final decision is expected to be made at a summit in December. But a Reuters report last week poured cold water on those hopes, with a senior official saying negotiations on the issue were ongoing. “in danger” Because of Hungary’s opposition. A Reuters source added that some European Union leaders suggested returning to the issue next spring.
