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Europe is exploring the possibility of creating a “coalition of the willing” to implement initiatives to support Ukraine so that one country cannot block the work of the majority.
This was stated by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, at the doorstep of a special EU Council, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.
“In the new initiative (regarding Ukraine – ed.), we are considering the possibility of creating a “coalition of the willing” so that one country cannot block everybody else. I will not speak for Hungary, because I mean that we still strive for unity of all 27 members. And if that is impossible, then Hungary can speak for themselves,” she explained.
The EU’s top diplomat also stressed that Europe should not underestimate its own economic potential to strengthen its defense.
All options are on the table when it comes to defense financing, from grants to redistribution of cohesion funds, as well as changes to fiscal rules, Kallas said, noting the critical importance of the issue. Europe’s own economic strength should not be underestimated.
The initiative on Ukraine, which is “on the table” of the EU summit today, currently has political outlines, but will acquire specific financial indicators at the end of March.
She expressed hope that member states would reach a political agreement on supporting Ukraine, because Europe really needs to make Ukraine stronger to end this war on the latter’s terms.
As reported earlier, the EU will be able to rearm Europe and arm Ukraine in its existential struggle against Russian aggression with the help of the EUR 800 billion ReArm Europe loan program. This was announced today in Brussels by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
