The EU thread

[Zoupa]

I don't think the EU works in its current framework without a common defence policy. You can't have free trade, movement, democracy standards etc without the will and means to defend it, at least in 2025 you can't.

If Trump can't be reasoned with, then I wish the US would formally withdraw from NATO. Rip the band-aid and force the other countries (including Spain) to contribute to common defence.

[HVC]

In such a scenario wouldn't the EU be more likely to contract and devote resources to to themselves rather then devote more resources to Ukraine and the baltic states?

[Valmy]

In such a scenario wouldn't the EU be more likely to contract and devote resources to to themselves rather then devote more resources to Ukraine and the baltic states?

The Baltic States are in the EU...

[HVC]

Right you are

[Zoupa]

Any euro spent on Ukraine assistance is much more effective than euros spent for future procurement. The Ukrainians are destroying russian/soviet stocks and personnel with the few peanuts we give them.

[Norgy]

It is interesting to see Denmark taking the lead in rearming the Europeans.
And with a PM from the what was the movement of the "broken guns" in the 1920s and 1930s.

I hope, and I believe, Norway will take EU membership under new consideration. It is well past due.
The "Yes" side is gaining. Labour probably won't start a new debate, but as I am fairly certain they will need a coalition or a positive majority in parliament after the next election, someone will push for an EU membership and a new referendum as part of the deal.

[Jacob]

I'm fairly pleased with Denmark's response to these challenges.

[Iormlund]

I don't think the EU works in its current framework without a common defence policy.

It's the same thing we saw almost 20 years ago with the debt crisis. We're still 27 countries each with its own worries and priorities.

[Sheilbh]

And in part the same challenge is there. The next leap forward - particular on moving defence from unanimity - will require a treaty change.

I think as with the Eurozone crisis (which is still at the root of a lot of current issues on defence, climate and economic strategy - it was a catastrophe) - the EU is operating at the edge of where creative lawyers can get you on the current treaties. But no-one wants to do a treaty change because I don't think anyone would feel confident predicting the outcome of referendum in key countries. I'd expect Ireland to reject (and they'd need to have one), not sure if they'd need to have one but I wouldn't bet on it getting through in France or the Netherlands eithre.

[PRC]

I didn't see if there was a thread or comment about this... but what's the languish take on what's happening in Serbia?

[PRC]

I didn't see if there was a thread or comment about this... but what's the languish take on what's happening in Serbia?

I guess Serbia is not in the EU, thought they had made it in... but they're in the neighbourhood!   

[The Brain]

What's happening in Serbia? Apis stirring up trouble again?