Strengthening the defense, energy independence from Russia, new sanctions in Moscow and the eastward enlargement of the EU. These are some of the issues on the table of the two-day meeting of the European Council convened by the French president in the palace of Versailles, just outside Paris. The summit, starting today, was thought of as one of the moments nail of the French presidency of the EU, with the aim of discussing above all the reform of the Stability Pact. The Russian aggression in Kiev has upset the 48-hour agenda, bringing Ukraine back to the top of the priorities of the 27 EU leaders.
On the first day of the summit, the focus will be on the ongoing conflict in the East and its impact on the EU, also addressing the hypothesis of new sanctions on Russia and Macron’s project for a “War Recovery”: a fund worth 100 billion. with the issuance of common debt, to face both the strengthening of the community defense and energy independence from Moscow. On the second day, the focus should shift to financial issues with the participation of ECB President Christine Lagarde.
Macron’s line seems to meet the favor of Mario Draghi’s government, both on punitive measures and on the issue of common debt. “Italy and France are completely aligned,” said Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, answering questions from journalists upon his arrival at the summit. This “will entail costs for the European economy,” he added. But the answer is not to ease the pressure on President Vladimir Putin “.
The «Recovery of war» and Ukraine in the EU, the two obstacles of the summit
The hypothesis of the new Recovery, supported by Macron, could hold the ground in discussions. The fund, established with the issuance of common debt, should enhance the strategic autonomy of the EU: a recovery in a warlike version that should drive Europe both in defense and in the energy liberation of the EU, in line with the plan already prepared by the Commission to achieve autonomy from Moscow by 2030. The second hot topic of the first day will be the eastward enlargement of the EU, also touching on the dossier of Ukraine’s application for membership.
The road could be uphill on both fronts. The hypothesis of a new EU fund is opposed by countries such as Germany and the Netherlands, skeptical of the idea of an instrument that will complement the 750 billion already foreseen by the Next Generation EU. The 27 could also hold back on Ukraine’s candidacy for EU membership, preferring more prudent tones than the scenario of a “facilitated” entry for Kiev. From what is learned, the solution could be that of a political signal of closeness and openness to the country.