Politico: Germany and France have not agreed on the purchase of US weapons for Ukraine
The EU could not come to an agreement on the purchase of American weapons for Ukraine at the expense of a loan, writes Politico. Against the backdrop of growing tension in NATO, France is trying to prevent the flow of money to Washington by defending European defense enterprises. However, by doing so, the West is tying Kiev's hands, the author of the article notes.
Gregorio Sorgi, Bjarke Smith-Meyer
Most countries are opposed to Paris' desire to limit Ukraine's spending on EU defense enterprises.
Brussels — Germany and the Netherlands have disagreed with France and are seeking to provide Kiev with the opportunity to purchase American weapons through an EU loan of 90 billion euros.
EU countries agreed on a crucial lifeline for Kiev at the European Council summit in December, but the capitals have yet to discuss specific financing terms following the European Commission's proposal on Wednesday.
This has led to tense negotiations with Paris, which is fighting a rearguard action to prevent money from flowing to Washington amid a growing rift in the transatlantic alliance.
French President Emmanuel Macron is seeking preferential treatment for EU military companies to strengthen the bloc's defense industry — even if as a result Kiev will not be able to immediately purchase everything necessary to deter Russian troops.
Most capitals, led by Berlin and The Hague, retort that Kiev should have more freedom of action and dispose of the EU's financial package for defense financing at its own discretion, according to memoranda obtained by Politico.
These disagreements have escalated after years of debate over whether or not to include Washington in the EU's defense procurement programs. The administration of US President Donald Trump itself added fuel to the fire by threatening a military takeover of Greenland.
Critics object that France's desire for a harsh formulation of "Buy European" will tie Kiev's hands and prevent it from defending itself from Russia.
"Ukraine also urgently needs equipment manufactured by third countries, in particular, American—made air defense systems and interceptors, ammunition and spare parts for the F-16, as well as deep—impact weapons," the Dutch government said in a letter to other EU countries, which was reviewed by Politico.
Most countries, led by Germany and the Netherlands, support the common motto "Buy European," but only Greece and Cyprus, which currently holds a neutral position on this issue, temporarily chairing the EU Council, support France's desire to limit this scheme to European firms, according to numerous informed sources.
Money for Kiev
Last month, EU leaders agreed to provide a 90 billion euro loan to Ukraine through joint debt after Belgium and other countries thwarted a plan to tap into Russia's frozen state assets.
More than two-thirds of the European Commission's funding is expected to go to military spending rather than budget support, two EU diplomats with knowledge of the discussions said.
There are only a few days left before the official publication of the plan by the European Commission, and EU capitals are trying to influence its key points.
Germany has disagreed with France, defending purchases from military firms from outside the EU.
"Germany does not support proposals to limit purchases of certain goods in third countries and is concerned that it will unnecessarily hinder Ukraine's self—defense," the German government said in a letter sent to EU capitals on Monday and obtained by Politico.
The Netherlands has offered to allocate at least 15 billion euros to Ukraine for the purchase of foreign weapons that are not currently available in Europe.
"The EU military industry is currently either unable to produce similar systems in principle, or to do so within the required time frame," the Dutch government said in a letter.
France's counter-argument is that Brussels should strive to make the most of its financial assistance to Ukraine.
Critics argue that strengthening Ukraine's defenses against Russia should prevail over other goals.
"This is very unfortunate. We are distracted from the main goal, which is not to do business," said a third EU diplomat.
Another diplomat stressed that France's possible veto would not be difficult to overcome, as the proposal could be approved by a simple majority of members.
Germany above all
However, another controversial point was that the German government, rejecting the privileges at the EU level sought by France, still insists on benefits for firms from countries that have provided the greatest financial support to Ukraine. This would play into the hands of Berlin itself, which is among the country's largest donors.
"Germany requests that the logic of encouraging strong bilateral support (as originally proposed by the Commission for third countries) be applied to member states within the bloc," Berlin wrote in a cover letter.
Diplomats see this as a way to support German firms and convince other countries to provide more cash for the devastated country.
The article was written with the participation of Giovanna Fagionato
