Elly Schlein, the leader of the
largest member of the opposition, the centre-left Democratic
Party (PD), said on Thursday that she opposed European
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's 'ReArm plan' and
would work to change the proposals on the table.
Schlein was speaking from Brussels ahead of a meeting of the
Socialists and Democrats (S&D) of which the PD is a member.
"We confirm our criticism against the proposals advanced by von
der Leyen and we will work, we are here at the summit to change
these proposals to make them go in the direction we are
requesting", Schlein told the Start program broadcast by
SkyTg24.
The PD leader went on to say that "we are in favour of a common
defence and against the rearmament of the 27 countries" of the
European Union, adding that "we oppose this plan for promoting
national defence expenditure without producing a common
defence".
She added that using resources from cohesion funds would also be
a "huge mistake".
The European Commission on Tuesday suggested to borrow up to 150
billion euros to lend to EU governments to finance a rearmament
plan prompted by Russia's war in Ukraine and fears that Europe
might no longer be able to lean on US protection.
The announcement came a day after US President Donald Trump
paused military aid to Ukraine.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Tuesday
that she could mobilise up to 800 billion euros for European
defence.
EU leaders are holding initial talks on the proposals on the
table at an extraordinary summit on defence and Ukraine taking
place on Thursday in Brussels.
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