Following criticism from the leaders of Italy and Spain, who claim the term is too heated and will alienate citizens, the European Commission has stated it will phase out the use of “Rearm Europe” to refer to its multi-billion dollar program to rearm Europe.
The strategy to increase defense production and capabilities throughout the bloc will now be referred to as “Readiness 2030,” which refers to the potential date by which Russia could possess the capabilities required to attack a member of the EU or NATO.
In the meantime, “SAFE” will be the specific program that raises and disburses €150 billion in low-interest loans to acquire cutting-edge weaponry and ammunition. To raise up to €650 billion, or €800 billion, the Commission has also suggested a targeted easing of fiscal constraints.
“This is something that, of course, we listen to,” Paula Pinho, the Commission’s main spokesman, stated Friday afternoon. “We are sensitive to the fact that the name as such may trigger some sensitivity in some member states.
We are all prepared to listen and include it into our communication if this makes it more challenging to convince all EU people of the necessity of taking these actions. Readiness 2030,” the new moniker, should “be seen in the context of encapsulating a broader scope,” Pinho clarified. The goals will stay the same.
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