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Two great EU countries refuse Ukraine spending increase
(MENAFN) Italy and Spain, the third and fourth largest economies in the EU, have expressed skepticism over the bloc’s proposal to double military aid to Ukraine, according to a Reuters report.
The plan, put forward by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, aims to increase European financial support for Ukraine from €20 billion ($20.9 billion) in 2024 to €40 billion ($43.7 billion) in 2025. Kallas, a well-known Russia hawk, has been advocating for expanded assistance to Kiev, citing concerns that US President Donald trump may scale back American military support.
Following a meeting of EU foreign ministers on Monday, Kallas acknowledged that while her proposal had broad support, it was not unanimously backed by all 27 EU member states.
The initiative is strongly supported by northern and eastern European countries, who view Russia as a direct security threat. However, southern European nations, such as Italy and Spain, have been more hesitant, according to Reuters sources.
Before the meeting, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani emphasized that any decision on increasing aid to Ukraine should consider the ongoing diplomatic talks between Moscow and Washington. He also stressed that Italy must prioritize funding for its own defense needs.
Similarly, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares pointed out that Madrid had already pledged €1 billion ($1.1 billion) in military aid to Ukraine this year, regardless of Kallas’ proposal.
Even France, one of Ukraine’s strongest European allies, reportedly has reservations about the plan, diplomatic sources revealed.
Meanwhile, Hungary and Slovakia, both long-time critics of EU military aid to Ukraine, have stated that they will not participate in the initiative. However, EU officials told Reuters that their opposition would not block the proposal, as contributions to Ukraine would remain voluntary.
Earlier this month, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov criticized Europe's push to prolong the war, arguing that the Trump administration has taken a more pragmatic approach by prioritizing peace efforts over military escalation.
The plan, put forward by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, aims to increase European financial support for Ukraine from €20 billion ($20.9 billion) in 2024 to €40 billion ($43.7 billion) in 2025. Kallas, a well-known Russia hawk, has been advocating for expanded assistance to Kiev, citing concerns that US President Donald trump may scale back American military support.
Following a meeting of EU foreign ministers on Monday, Kallas acknowledged that while her proposal had broad support, it was not unanimously backed by all 27 EU member states.
The initiative is strongly supported by northern and eastern European countries, who view Russia as a direct security threat. However, southern European nations, such as Italy and Spain, have been more hesitant, according to Reuters sources.
Before the meeting, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani emphasized that any decision on increasing aid to Ukraine should consider the ongoing diplomatic talks between Moscow and Washington. He also stressed that Italy must prioritize funding for its own defense needs.
Similarly, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares pointed out that Madrid had already pledged €1 billion ($1.1 billion) in military aid to Ukraine this year, regardless of Kallas’ proposal.
Even France, one of Ukraine’s strongest European allies, reportedly has reservations about the plan, diplomatic sources revealed.
Meanwhile, Hungary and Slovakia, both long-time critics of EU military aid to Ukraine, have stated that they will not participate in the initiative. However, EU officials told Reuters that their opposition would not block the proposal, as contributions to Ukraine would remain voluntary.
Earlier this month, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov criticized Europe's push to prolong the war, arguing that the Trump administration has taken a more pragmatic approach by prioritizing peace efforts over military escalation.
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