EU Summit: Babler Calls for Solidarity with Ukraine

"We are currently in a truly crisis-ridden situation," said Vice Chancellor Andreas Babler (SPÖ) on Thursday in Brussels. The SPÖ chairman participated in the morning at the social democratic meeting before the EU special summit in Brussels. It is about "solidarity with Ukraine in a very difficult situation," but also about a reassessment of transatlantic relations, according to Babler.

Babler: "The shock is still very deep for all of us"

"The shock is still very deep for all of us: what we have seen on the open stage with the incredible behavior and the impacts of (US President Donald) Trump towards (Ukrainian President Volodymyr) Zelensky," said Babler. "Now it is necessary to send a united signal. This concerns all of us in Europe." It is also "not acceptable that decisions about Ukraine should be made without Ukraine."

Now it is important to "send a political signal of determination"

There still needs to be discussion about the EU Commission's proposals for the rearmament of Europe, Babler continued. "The important thing is the commitment: everything within the framework of neutrality. What certainly cannot happen is to directly engage in acts of war or directly supply weapons."

Babler did not want to speculate about ideas to double the EU budget to finance defense spending. These proposals are not yet up for discussion, he said. The EU Commission's proposal to create a 150 billion euro defense fund also needs to be examined. Now it is important to "send a political signal of determination," as military spending also plays a role.

(APA/Red)

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