“Countries should find their own resources to increase their defence spending and not do it together”, Estonian MEP Riho Terras (EPP) told Euronews’ Europe Today morning show in Strasbourg, referring to the possible issuing of joint debt by the EU.
The common debt issuance has been a recurring topic among EU leaders and institutions, and is championed by French President Emmanuel Macron, who called for it to finance defence and AI-related spending in an interview published on Tuesday by several European newspapers.
“I am not a fan of loans”, MEP Terras said, considering that tapping markets to be able to pay for defence is not the best option at the EU’s disposal.
This possibility could be discussed during an informal retreat of EU leaders on Thursday at the Belgian Alden Biesen castle. Former Italian Prime Ministers Enrico Letta and Mario Draghi will join the discussion, with the latter pushing for the EU to become a “genuine federation”.
Terras seemed sceptical of Draghi’s view. “I don’t think we need to discuss it today because we see that there is no chance that the Lisbon Treaty will be changed”, he said, claiming that it is better to concentrate on things that EU leaders can actually do. “One thing we need is to invest more in defence, both every country separately and together.”
Speaking of defence, Terras considered that only Europe can address European security, and it should stop seeking reassurance from the US.
“The US administration says that the US has paid too long and too much (to fund NATO). They think it’s unfair. They want to see deeds, not words. They always mention Spain that are not really paying their part.”
Back from a trip to the US, the Estonian MEP was reassuring on Greenland, saying the US Congress would not support taking control of the island, and on the US standing by Europeans.
“All discussions with congressmen and senators assured me that they are still part of NATO, but they want us to do more,” Terras concluded.
