European Union issues 'stern' warning to the US

Von der Leyen made statements to the press following the first summit meeting on defense held in Brussels.

Stating that the leaders of the 27 EU member states discussed relations with the US in addition to defense, von der Leyen said, "The EU is ready for a solid and constructive dialogue with the US, but we are also aware of potential challenges in our relations with the US and are prepared for them. If the EU is targeted unfairly or arbitrarily, it will respond sternly."

Addressing the Trump administration's move to impose high customs duties on Canada and Mexico, von der Leyen remarked, "These tariffs increase business costs and harm workers and consumers. They cause unnecessary damage to economies and fuel inflation. We do not think much good will come of this."

FINANCING OPTIONS

Emphasizing that there is a "great urgency" for EU member states to increase their defense spending "on a large scale," von der Leyen said that at the summit, they discussed options for this, primarily involving more public funds, followed by increasing flexibility in lending practices by working with the European Investment Bank and national private banks.

JOINT SUMMIT IN THE UK

Stating that they discussed closer cooperation in defense with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who attended the summit as a guest, von der Leyen announced that a joint defense summit with the EU will be held in the UK in May.

AIR DEFENSE

Noting that the proposal for a continent-wide air defense shield project, which was put forward some time ago by Poland and Greece, was also discussed by the leaders and received great support, von der Leyen stated that projects like this will be addressed, and decisions on Europe-wide financing options will be made later.

News Source: 12punto