EU Lawmaker Says Countries Should Pay for Defense Themselves

A member of the European Parliament, Riho Terras, said that European countries should pay for more defense spending using their own money. He does not want the EU to borrow money together for this. EU leaders will discuss defense soon.
By Newsroom | European Union, Politics |

The debate over how the European Union should finance increased defense spending is intensifying. A prominent Member of the European Parliament (MEP) has publicly stated his opposition to issuing common EU debt for this purpose, advocating instead for member states to find funds within their national budgets. This stance comes as EU leaders are set to discuss the bloc's future, including security and defense, at an upcoming informal retreat.

Background: A Growing Need for Defense Investment

The European Union faces mounting pressure to bolster its defense capabilities. This discussion is gaining urgency against a backdrop of evolving geopolitical challenges. The question of financing these increased investments has become a central point of contention among EU policymakers.

  • MEP Riho Terras, a member of the European People’s Party (EPP), expressed his views in an interview with Euronews.

  • He stated, "I am not a fan of loans."

  • Terras argues that borrowing from markets to fund defense is not the most suitable approach for the EU.

  • His position suggests a preference for member states to independently increase their defense budgets.

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This topic is expected to be on the agenda for an informal gathering of EU leaders scheduled to take place at Alden Biesen castle in Belgium.

Key Actors and Proposed Solutions

The discussion involves various perspectives on EU integration and defense policy.

  • Riho Terras (MEP, EPP): Advocates for national funding of defense. He serves as Vice-Chair of the Committee on Security and Defence (SEDE) and is a member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET).

  • Mario Draghi (Former Italian Prime Minister): Reportedly supports the idea of the EU becoming a "genuine federation," which may imply a willingness to explore more unified funding mechanisms.

  • Enrico Letta (Former Italian Prime Minister): Also expected to participate in discussions.

MEP Terras's Argument Against Joint Debt

MEP Riho Terras has clearly articulated his reservations regarding the use of common EU debt for defense expenditures.

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"He believes each country should independently fund its own defence spending increases, avoiding joint EU debt."

Terras views relying on joint debt as a potentially hazardous strategy for the bloc. His core argument centers on the principle of national responsibility for defense funding.

  • Core Position: Member states should finance their own defense spending increases.

  • Reasoning: Avoidance of joint EU debt.

  • Cited Role: Vice-Chair of the SEDE Committee on Security and Defence.

The "Deeds, Not Words" Sentiment

There appears to be an underlying sentiment that concrete actions, rather than just discussions, are needed regarding EU defense.

  • The phrase "They want to see deeds, not words" suggests a desire for tangible progress and outcomes.

  • Terras's skepticism towards certain proposals, such as Draghi's vision, may stem from this perspective.

Conclusion: A Divergent Path on Defense Finance

MEP Riho Terras's strong opposition to common EU debt for defense spending highlights a significant division in the approach to bolstering the bloc's security. While some, like Draghi, may envision a more federated structure with unified financing, Terras emphasizes national autonomy and financial responsibility. The upcoming EU leaders' retreat will likely provide a platform for these differing viewpoints to be further debated. The practical implications of Terras's stance suggest that any substantial increase in EU defense capabilities may need to be primarily driven by individual member states' budgetary commitments.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the EU lawmaker Riho Terras think about paying for defense?
He thinks each country should use its own money to pay for defense. He does not want the EU to borrow money together for this.
Q: Why does he think this?
He believes it is better for countries to pay for their own defense spending. He feels borrowing together might be a bad idea.
Q: When will EU leaders talk about this?
They will talk about defense spending at an upcoming meeting in Belgium.