The Green Party politician Anton Hofreiter has proposed a European Defense Fund of 500 billion euros to finance defense projects and infrastructure in light of the current threats to European security. He suggested that the fund could support up to 30% of defense projects involving at least three member states, with 80% of the investment going to European companies. Additionally, the funds could be used to strengthen European infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and railways, which are essential for defense capabilities.
Hofreiter recommended structuring the defense fund similar to the Covid-19 recovery fund, with the EU Commission borrowing money from capital markets to finance it. He also called on German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to engage in dialogue with France regarding the role of French nuclear weapons in European defense. Furthermore, Hofreiter advocated for allowing Ukraine to use Western weapons to defend against Russian aggression, citing the right of an attacked state to target military objectives in the aggressor’s territory as part of self-defense.
He criticized the lack of action on Macron’s offers for cooperation and stressed the need to address Russian aggression towards Ukraine. Hofreiter emphasized the importance of protecting the Ukrainian population and suggested that Ukraine should be allowed to use weapons to defend against Russian jets, even in Russian airspace. He highlighted Putin’s evolving war tactics and the need for Ukraine to strengthen its defenses along the border with Russia to counter Russian military capabilities properly.
Hofreiter’s proposal comes ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Germany, where discussions on European security and defense cooperation are expected to take place. The establishment of a European Defense Fund could signify a step towards greater unity and collective defense capabilities within the EU, as member states work together to address shared security challenges. Hofreiter’s call for joint European solutions reflects the growing need for a coordinated approach to security threats facing the continent.
As Europe faces increasing security threats and geopolitical tensions, the proposal for a European Defense Fund could be a significant development in enhancing the region’s defense capabilities and resilience. By pooling resources and investing in defense projects and infrastructure, European countries could strengthen their collective defense posture and better respond to evolving security challenges. The upcoming discussions between German and French leaders may pave the way for closer cooperation and coordination on defense and security issues within the EU.
