Italy and Spain made it clear on Monday that they are not prepared to support an EU proposal to pledge up to 40 billion euros ($43.67 billion) in military aid for Ukraine this year on a proportional basis, according to officials and diplomats.
The plan, spearheaded by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, would double military support for Ukraine—following the bloc’s contribution of around 20 billion euros in 2024—to bolster Kyiv's defense against Russia's ongoing invasion.
While northern and eastern European countries have expressed strong backing for the proposal, diplomats say that some southern European capitals remain reticent. This division reflects differing levels of exposure to Russia, with nations closer to the conflict having provided more aid relative to their GDP. For instance, Estonia, Denmark, and Lithuania have contributed more than 2% of their GDP in aid to Ukraine between January 2022 and December 2024, as estimated by the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, while Italy, Spain, along with Slovenia, Portugal, Greece, and Cyprus, have given less than 0.5%. Hungary, known for its Russia-friendly stance, is at the bottom of the table.
During a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels, Kallas said her proposal had "broad political support" and that discussions were moving into the details. However, Italy and Spain's ministers emphasized that it was premature to commit. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stated, "We are waiting for the Trump-Putin telephone call to see if there will be any steps forward in order to reach a ceasefire," adding that Italy must also address domestic budget constraints amid a need to boost its own defense spending.
Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares echoed this cautious approach, noting, "We'll see how the debate goes, but at this point there's no decision on it." Albares highlighted that Spain has already committed 1 billion euros in military aid to Ukraine this year and argued that Madrid’s support has been evident without waiting for further EU proposals.
Meanwhile, Slovakia indicated it would not obstruct the plan but signaled it would also decline to contribute. EU officials stress that since contributions under the proposal would be voluntary, neither Hungary nor Slovakia should block the initiative. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto, speaking on X, declared, "We will not be dragged into this, nor will we let Hungarian taxpayers' money be used to finance arms supplies to Ukraine."
As uncertainty lingers over the future of U.S. support under President Donald Trump’s administration—especially following his recent remarks and planned discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin—the debate over additional EU military aid to Ukraine remains a contentious issue. The differing perspectives among member states underscore the challenges of forging a unified response amid diverse economic conditions and geopolitical priorities.
Italy will unveil an industrial strategy in June, linking its automotive, defence, and aerospace sectors amid Europe's focus on defence spending and satellite security.
Italy’s Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna regions are grappling with severe flooding and landslides, prompting a red weather alert as heavy rains inundate streets and homes.
Italy has begun testing Starlink satellite systems in four embassies worldwide to explore secure communication options for its diplomats and defense officials, though no national security contract has been signed with Elon Musk's company, SpaceX, the government confirmed on Thursday.
Italy’s parliament has rejected opposition amendments aimed at restricting the government from acquiring satellite services from companies outside the European Union.
An Italian court has lifted the special administration imposed on a unit of the Armani fashion group over concerns regarding the labour practices of its Chinese-owned subcontractors. The court ruled that the company had taken all necessary corrective measures.
International donors at a European Union-led conference in Brussels pledged €5.8 billion ($6.3 billion) on Monday to support Syria’s new authorities, who are grappling with humanitarian and security crises following the fall of Bashar al-Assad.
A U.S. spy drone withdrew from near Iranian airspace after being intercepted by Iranian F-14 fighter jets and reconnaissance drones, Iran’s Nournews reported on Monday, citing the country's Army Air Force.
Germany’s constitutional court has rejected last-minute legal challenges to a €500 billion ($546 billion) infrastructure fund proposed by conservative leader Friedrich Merz.
A deal that could reshape Ukraine’s borders—Donald Trump is pushing for a peace agreement with Vladimir Putin, suggesting land concessions and nuclear plant control may be on the table.
Sweden’s deputy prime minister Ebba Busch has called on the European Union to amend its clean-tech funding rules to help bankrupt battery cell maker Northvolt secure a new owner.
The inside of a Herculaneum delicate & ancient scroll, unseen for nearly 2,000 years, has been revealed using Artificial Intelligence.
World leaders welcomed the 30-day ceasefire proposal that Ukraine has agreed to, calling it a step toward ending the conflict with Russia.
Regarding the Armenia-Azerbaijan process, we cannot forget the years of occupation, and we will not forget them, President Ilham Aliyev said in his speech at the opening ceremony of the 12th Global Baku Forum.
President Donald Trump has vowed to respond to the European Union's counter-tariffs, escalating tensions over the U.S. steel and aluminum duties that have sparked a trade dispute between the two economic powers.
In Tuesday’s closely watched parliamentary election, Greenland’s pro-business opposition Demokraatit party took a commanding lead after over 90% of the ballots were counted.
EU ministers vowed on Monday to explore ways to save Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) after U.S. President Donald Trump cut its funding, but warned that replacing U.S. support would not be easy.
International donors at a European Union-led conference in Brussels pledged €5.8 billion ($6.3 billion) on Monday to support Syria’s new authorities, who are grappling with humanitarian and security crises following the fall of Bashar al-Assad.
A U.S. spy drone withdrew from near Iranian airspace after being intercepted by Iranian F-14 fighter jets and reconnaissance drones, Iran’s Nournews reported on Monday, citing the country's Army Air Force.
Germany’s constitutional court has rejected last-minute legal challenges to a €500 billion ($546 billion) infrastructure fund proposed by conservative leader Friedrich Merz.
A deal that could reshape Ukraine’s borders—Donald Trump is pushing for a peace agreement with Vladimir Putin, suggesting land concessions and nuclear plant control may be on the table.
International donors at a European Union-led conference in Brussels pledged €5.8 billion ($6.3 billion) on Monday to support Syria’s new authorities, who are grappling with humanitarian and security crises following the fall of Bashar al-Assad.
A U.S. spy drone withdrew from near Iranian airspace after being intercepted by Iranian F-14 fighter jets and reconnaissance drones, Iran’s Nournews reported on Monday, citing the country's Army Air Force.
Germany’s constitutional court has rejected last-minute legal challenges to a €500 billion ($546 billion) infrastructure fund proposed by conservative leader Friedrich Merz.
A deal that could reshape Ukraine’s borders—Donald Trump is pushing for a peace agreement with Vladimir Putin, suggesting land concessions and nuclear plant control may be on the table.
Sweden’s deputy prime minister Ebba Busch has called on the European Union to amend its clean-tech funding rules to help bankrupt battery cell maker Northvolt secure a new owner.
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