EU members should boost security assistance to Ukraine – Scholz
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz made the statement at a joint press conference with his Luxembourg counterpart Luc Frieden in Berlin, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.
According to Scholtz, the volume of lethal aid to Kyiv from individual member states should be large enough.
"What we see so far is not large enough. Larger contributions are needed," the head of the German government emphasized.
He noted that a request was sent to the EU to "interview" individual countries because it is possible that some plans are yet to be announced.
"Germany's plans are defined: we have taken care of the possibility of investing EUR 8 billion from our budget," Scholz said, clarifying that not all projects have been defined yet.
The chancellor also called for presenting "as precise as possible an overview of what specific contribution European partners will make to support Ukraine this year" before the meeting of the European Council on February 1 at the latest.
In turn, the Prime Minister of Luxembourg, Luc Frieden, noted that for the Duchy and for all Europeans, Ukraine and its future are important, because it is about fundamental principles, the future of the entire continent, and the protection of peace, freedom and sovereignty of all European countries.
He added that the aid should match the capabilities and be proportional to the countries' GDP and their defense budgets. Frieden informed that his country allocates 16% of its defense budget to help Ukraine, and promised to continue the support.
Both heads of government also expressed hope that at the extraordinary EU summit on February 1, a joint decision of all 27 countries, including Hungary, will be reached regarding further financing of Ukraine.
In the context of EU enlargement, Scholz called the decision to start accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova "historic steps".
Frieden added that enlargement will be necessary in the next 10 years.
This is the first foreign visit of the new head of government of Luxembourg.
A few days ago, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Luxembourg, Xavier Bettel, who used to hold Prime Minister’s office, visited Berlin.
As reported, on December 14, the European Council decided to launch negotiations on EU membership with Ukraine and Moldova.
At the same time, the heads of state and government were unable to reach a consensus and adopt amendments to the EU budget for 2024-2027, which included, in particular, setting up the Ukraine Facility worth EUR 50 billion for budget support of Ukraine amid war and to create conditions for its post-war recovery.
Photo: Bundestag
