Archive: https://archive.is/2025.03.08-050706/https://www.ft.com/content/76937db3-0b3b-44d4-9005-9709512acd53

A proposed €150bn injection into the EU’s defence industry has become a new flashpoint in a long-standing battle between France and Germany over the continent’s rearmament drive and whether it should include countries outside the bloc.

Spooked by US President Donald Trump’s threats to end generations of American protection, Europe has pledged to increase defence spending dramatically and scale up their domestic capabilities that have withered since the cold war.

Last week the European Commission proposed to raise €150bn that would be lent to capitals to boost their military production. While the broad idea has received unanimous political backing, the details are still being fleshed out, with heavy lobbying over whether the cash could be spent on arms made outside the bloc.

  • fibojoly@sh.itjust.works
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    15
    ·
    1 day ago

    It’s easier to negotiate for peace when you’ve more guns than the idiot on the other side who only understands strength.

    • porompopmpom@lemmy.ml
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      3
      arrow-down
      5
      ·
      1 day ago

      I agree, I just don’t believe there is a negotiation plan. I think the “plan” is to keep the enemy in line with superior military power. Good short term, not really solving anything long term.

      • Eheran@lemmy.world
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        11
        arrow-down
        1
        ·
        1 day ago

        How exactly do you negotiate with someone who constantly breaks peace agreements he signed?

        • porompopmpom@lemmy.ml
          link
          fedilink
          English
          arrow-up
          3
          arrow-down
          1
          ·
          1 day ago

          In the comment you responded to, I said I agree, it’s easier to negotiate from a position of power. What’s the plan afterwards? Everyone keeps saying that we need power to be able to negotiate, and I keep agreeing, and saying that there is no plan for later, and this is what I am worried about. I’m really interested in an answer for this question, but I just keep getting the same argument, which I’m not even opposed to.

          • Eheran@lemmy.world
            link
            fedilink
            English
            arrow-up
            5
            ·
            1 day ago

            It is the ONLY thing that solves it long term. Politics of the larger army have always worked.

      • boreengreen@lemm.ee
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        4
        arrow-down
        1
        ·
        1 day ago

        It does extend peace time until putin can die of old age. Also, it is in russian culture to respect strength.