Latest news with #AdamSzlapka
Epoch Times
7 days ago
- Business
- Epoch Times
EU Approves $170 Billion Defense Fund as Europe Moves to Take Charge of Own Security
The European Union (EU) has formally adopted a landmark $170 billion defense financing program aimed at rearming the continent, bolstering its defense industry, and reducing reliance on the United States as the war in Ukraine rages on and questions swirl about America's future engagement in Europe's security amid increasing risks in the Pacific posed by communist China. The new instrument, known as the Security Action for Europe (SAFE), was finalized under Poland's rotating presidency of the Council of the EU and 'This is an unprecedented instrument which will boost our defence capabilities and support our defence industry,' Adam Szlapka, Polish minister for the EU, said in a statement. 'The more we invest in our security and defence, the better we deter those who wish us harm.' The new initiative—which will enter into force on May 29—will also allow the EU to strengthen its military support for Ukraine by including the country in the program from the start. This means Ukraine's defense industry can take part in joint purchases with EU countries and other partners, helping Kyiv get much-needed weapons and build closer ties with Europe's defense sector as it continues to counter Russian aggression. In addition to Ukraine, SAFE allows for participation from countries with existing security agreements with the EU, such as the United Kingdom. However, full participation in the program by these third countries will require additional agreements with conditions like capping non-EU content in defense contracts. SAFE is the first part of the EU's larger ReArm Europe Related Stories 5/27/2025 5/27/2025 'We are in an era of rearmament, and Europe is ready to massively increase its defense spending, both to respond to the short-term urgency to act and to support Ukraine, but also to invest in the long term, to take on more responsibility for our own European security,' Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, said in March when announcing the plan, adding that the time has come for Europe to 'step up.' Together with recent bilateral treaties—such as the new Franco-Polish defense French soldiers take part in joint military exercises with the British army near Reims, France, on April 22, 2025. Sameer Al-Doumy/AFP/Getty Images A soldier takes cover next to a British armoured vehicle as part of urban combat exercise during joint military maneuvers between the French and British army at the Sissonne camp, near Reims, France, on April 22, 2025. Sameer Al-Doumy/AFP/Getty Images Since returning to the White House in January, President Donald Trump has pushed Europe to boost its defense spending and take more responsibility for its own security after decades of depending on U.S. protection. The urgency behind SAFE also reflects growing alarm over Russia's latest actions. Over the weekend, Moscow Trump, who has positioned himself as a mediator in the conflict, criticized the escalation, Some U.S. lawmakers—including Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa)—have 'Without truly strong pressure on the Russian leadership, this brutality cannot be stopped,' Zelenskyy said in a recent post on social media. Russia maintains it's open to a cease-fire and diplomatic settlement to the long-running conflict but insists that the 'root causes' of the war must be addressed, which Ukraine sees as code for capitulation.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Poland hopes to adopt 17th package of sanctions against Russia by 1 July
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways The European Council presidency of Poland hopes that a new package of sanctions against Russia over the war in Ukraine will be adopted by 1 July. Source: Polish Minister for European Affairs Adam Szlapka during a plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Interfax-Ukraine reports Quote: "Work on the 17th package of sanctions has just begun. I hope it will be completed by the end of the Polish presidency. Our position is clear and has not changed. Ukraine must be in a strong position to be able to negotiate a good deal and to defend it once it is concluded. We are ready to support these efforts with the tools at the EU's disposal." Details: Poland's EU presidency will end on 30 June and will be taken over by Denmark on 1 July, which will hold the presidency until 31 December. Szlapka also mentioned the rapid assessment of Ukraine's losses and needs, which was published by the World Bank in February 2025. In particular, the war-related losses are estimated at US$176 billion, and the cost of a 10-year reconstruction is US$524 billion. "Given this grim scenario, it is clear that no one wants peace more than Ukraine and Ukrainians themselves. Ukrainians have consistently demonstrated their willingness to accept convincing peace proposals," said Szlapka. "Back in March, they agreed to an unconditional comprehensive ceasefire at the US-mediated talks, and since then, the ball is still in Russia's court," the Polish minister added. As reported on 6 May, the European Commission was to propose a new package of sanctions against Russia. It is expected that even more individuals and legal entities will be added to the sanctions lists. Background: Earlier it was reported that the 17th package of EU sanctions against Russia would be prepared for the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting to be held in May 2025. This was stated by Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, at a press conference after the EU Council meeting in Luxembourg on 14 April, a European Pravda correspondent reports. Kallas stressed that all proposals for the 17th package of EU sanctions against Russia will be collected before the meeting of EU foreign ministers in May 2025. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
EU approves over $2 billion in economic support for Moldova
The Council of the EU gave its final approval to 1.9 billion euros (over $2 billion) in support for Moldova's EU-related reforms and economic growth, the council's press service announced on March 18. The Reform and Growth Facility, which includes 1.5 billion euros ($1.6 billion) in low-interest loans and 385 million euros ($420 million) in grants, will cover the period of 2025-2027 and is part of the EU's long-term Moldova Growth Plan. Brussels has ramped up support for Moldova over the past few years to help alleviate the regional impacts of Russia's war against Ukraine and help Chisinau on its path to membership. Moldova launched accession talks with the EU last June. "Today we are helping Moldovans advance key socio-economic reforms, boost their economy and accelerate the country's accession to the EU," said Adam Szlapka, Poland's Europan affairs minister, in a statement. "The new instrument will also strengthen Moldova's resilience by mitigating the impact of Russia's unjust war of aggression against Ukraine." The newly approved tool marks the single largest support package provided to Moldova by the European bloc. The facility will now be signed by the presidents of the European Parliament and the Council of the EU and enter into force a day after being published in the EU Official Journal. Ukraine's neighbor Moldova has received Ukrainian refugees and repeatedly warned about Russia's attempts to destabilize the country, primarily through the Russian-occupied Moldovan region of Transnistria. Transnistria has faced a major energy crisis after the halt of Russian gas supplies at the start of the year. While Moldova has pivoted to European gas supplies prior to the transit halt, it has also faced difficulties as it receives electricity from a gas-powered energy plant located in Transnistria. Last month, the EU allocated 250 million euros ($273 million) to boost Moldova's energy independence and resilience. Read also: 'Talk about an invasion is everywhere' — How Lithuania is preparing for war with Russia We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Rudaw Net
12-03-2025
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
European parliament discusses Syria
Also in World US sanctions Sweden-based Kurdish gang leader over Iran-linked attacks Flights affected as workers strike at 13 airports in Germany US congressman warns about armed groups ruling Syria Iraq, Sweden move towards reopening Swedish embassy in Baghdad A+ A- STRASBOURG - The European Parliament convened on Tuesday to discuss Syria developments, including an agreement between Kurds and Damascus and the recent violence in western Syria. Only a few parliamentarians and EU Council and Commission representatives attended it. On behalf of the EU Commission, the Polish minister for European Union affairs voiced the body's concern over the recent violence in western Syria and expressed support for the landmark agreement between the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Damascus. The deal includes the integration of the SDF into Syria's security apparatus. 'The humanitarian crisis continues to deepen with 90 percent of the population living below the poverty line and over two million people still in tents. And the security situation remains very worrying,' Adam Szlapka said. He added that the violence in the Kurdish-held northeast Syria (Rojava) between the SDF and Turkey-backed militants should end, describing the SDF as a 'longstanding partner' in the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS). The EU Commission condemned violence against civilians and saw the SDF-Damascus deal, signed on Monday, as a positive step. 'The European Union strongly condemns any form of violence against civilians,' Dubravka Suica, European Union Commissioner for Mediterranean, said during the meeting, calling for a 'swift investigation' into violations. She added that the committee formed by Damascus to probe the recent violence in western Syria is a welcoming step 'that needs to be translated into action.' Hannah Neumann, a member of the European Parliament, told Rudaw that their intention is not to support the new government in Damascus but to 'support the Syrian and support the Syrian transition towards an inclusive, peaceful democratic pathway.' She added that they cannot choose a ruler but can give the transitional government 'the careful benefit of the doubt.'
