Merz called for a reorientation of Russian budgets to invest in defense

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for a review of the "outdated budgetary system" of the European Union (EU) and supported an approach that would prioritize investments in defense and increase the competitiveness of the bloc. This was reported by the Reuters news agency on May 14.

"Optimizing structures, investing in competitiveness and defense, and focusing on European funds to implement European policy are all necessary because resources are limited," Merz said at the Charlemagne Prize ceremony.

Disputes are raging in the European Union (EU) over the bloc's long-term budget for 2028-2034, explains the author of the material. For example, some countries advocate the preservation of the traditional financing scheme, which allocates agricultural subsidies and funds for regional development.

It should be mentioned: Europe requires a billion euros a year from the UK

The United Kingdom is not ready for such generous contributions for access to the single market

On May 11, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares noted that the European Union (EU) needs to create its own unified army. As the minister pointed out, such a decision is overdue in the context of disagreements between Europe and the United States. At the same time, he said that strengthening the EU's military potential is a way to weaken NATO. Albares added that Spain considers the United States to be a historical ally of Europe.