EU High Representative Kallas resents €40 billion plan for Ukraine
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European Foreign Affairs Council was held in Brussels, on Monday morning with participation of Italian Foreign Minister and Deputy PM Antonio Tajani and during the meeting, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, presented a voluntary plan for Ukraine, which involves creation of a €40 billion fund.
The aim of the plan is to maintain support for Ukraine’s defense through the provision of air defense systems, missiles, drones, fighter jets, artillery ammunition, and also by training Ukrainian troops. In a brief press conference following the meeting, Kallas stated that this plan is also designed as a precaution, considering uncertainties surrounding U.S. support of Ukraine.
Kallas' plan will also be discussed at the upcoming European Council, which will take place from March 20th to 21th. However, Kallas has already stated that EU countries will be able to contribute to the fund either through monetary transfers – with a contribution proportional to their gross national income – or through direct arms shipments.
According to estimates, Italy could contribute around €4 or €5 billion, but Tajani urges caution and calls for restraint. The Italian government is already working on increasing defense spending, which will have to reach 2% of GDP. Moreover, Tajani believes it would be preferable to wait for the negotiations' outcome, or at least for a "ceasefire" to be reached, before making peacekeeping proposals.
The aim of the plan is to maintain support for Ukraine’s defense through the provision of air defense systems, missiles, drones, fighter jets, artillery ammunition, and also by training Ukrainian troops. In a brief press conference following the meeting, Kallas stated that this plan is also designed as a precaution, considering uncertainties surrounding U.S. support of Ukraine.
Kallas' plan will also be discussed at the upcoming European Council, which will take place from March 20th to 21th. However, Kallas has already stated that EU countries will be able to contribute to the fund either through monetary transfers – with a contribution proportional to their gross national income – or through direct arms shipments.
According to estimates, Italy could contribute around €4 or €5 billion, but Tajani urges caution and calls for restraint. The Italian government is already working on increasing defense spending, which will have to reach 2% of GDP. Moreover, Tajani believes it would be preferable to wait for the negotiations' outcome, or at least for a "ceasefire" to be reached, before making peacekeeping proposals.