Most EU countries, aside from Poland and a few on the eastern edge, have not moved to strengthen their armed forces. This moment is seen as a critical point for EU and NATO members to assume responsibility for collective security, according to Beata Szydło, a former prime minister and member of the European Parliament.
Trump’s remarks on NATO and Russia
During a rally in South Carolina, Donald Trump, a leading contender in the US presidential race, warned that if he secures the presidency again, he would not shield NATO members who fall short on their financial commitments. He claimed to have heard from a top NATO leader about this issue, though he did not name the person:
A leader of a major nation asked me, “Sir, if we do not pay and Russia attacks us, will you protect us?” My response was, “No, I will not protect you. I would even urge Russia to act against you. You must pay.”
Former Prime Minister and MEP Beata Szydło commented on Trump’s statement via Twitter/X, noting the broader discussion around NATO and security policy.
She pointed out that Jens Stoltenberg has stressed Russia will remain a threat to the alliance for years, and that Europe’s defense industry in NATO member states remains underdeveloped and in need of rebuilding. A robust heavy industry is essential to produce tanks, armored vehicles, self-propelled artillery, and other military equipment. The European Commission’s policies, she remarked, appear to push toward phasing out heavy industry in the EU. The question of how to sustain and manufacture critical defense hardware within Europe is a central concern, and many European politicians have yet to provide a clear answer.
She underscored that Russia’s war in Ukraine has persisted for more than two years, and that most EU nations, with Poland and several eastern flank countries as notable exceptions, have not sufficiently prioritized arming their armed forces or developing a domestic arms industry.
This moment is presented as the decisive time for all EU and NATO members to shoulder responsibility for shared security.
— emphasized Beata Szydło.
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wkt/PAP/Twitter [Source: wPolityce]
Source: wPolityce