Tajani: “Eurobonds for defense a good idea.” League-EPP rift on Russia

Brussels – “We are staunchly pro-European, and we believe we need a European defense.” In that sense, “To me, it seems that Eurobonds are a good idea.” Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani is open to the proposal European Council President Charles Michel put on the table. The issue of joint debt securities to boost the defense industry and accelerate the arms race already underway because of an international chessboard suddenly far less predictable and secure. He chooses the meeting of leaders of the European People’s Party (EPP) that precedes the summit of heads of state and government, who are divided on the Eurobond issue.

Tajani, however, insists that the hypothesis of common debt securities to finance the European defense strategy “seems to me a choice that goes in the best direction to protect us.” The EPP is thus opening the dances for a political debate not free of unknowns, first and foremost the traditional opposition between the ‘frugals,’ those who are not in favor of common debt, and those who push in the direction advocated by the Italian foreign minister.

The EPP summit becomes, for Tajani, the moment to reiterate in Europe that the Italian center-right, the real, pro-European one, is Forza Italia. “We are solid and working well, and our goal is to exceed 10 percent in European elections” in early June, he admits publicly. If this is the case, it would be a significant political achievement for the EPP as it consummates the rift with Matteo Salvini’s League.

The League leader called to respect elections in Russia as they represent an expression of democracy. According to Manfred Weber, President of the European People’s Party, these words were unacceptable: “After elections, everyone saw the autocratic dictatorship in the country,” the EPP leader said. “We must not recognize these elections, and we must not recognize this regime.” Regarding Russia, the EPP and Salvini have irreconcilable visions. “We are with Ukraine, and we must all be united in support,” Weber stressed.”