Desperate hunt for money for Ukraine and defense

The EU is increasingly desperate for more money to support Ukraine and its own defence. A French proposal to take up joint loans is now supported by an increasing number of countries. But not by Sweden.

– It is starting at the wrong end, says Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.

EU leaders meet on Thursday and Friday in Brussels. Faster and increased support for both Ukraine and the member states’ own defense and security is the main topic. However, how it will be financed is a difficult question.

France, with the support of several countries in the East, is aggressively launching a proposal to raise joint loans, but countries such as Germany and the Nordic countries are resisting.

– There are always countries that want to borrow money, but we never start at that end, says Kristersson before the meeting.

First, you have to know what needs to be achieved and what resources are already available, he believes.

At the same time, he does not close the door completely.

– The support for Ukraine is extremely important, so it is clear that Sweden will not start by saying that this is a red line, says Kristersson.

Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas is among the leaders who push the hardest.

– We have proposed Eurobonds. If that doesn’t work, come up with something else! We need it now. We cannot postpone it until later, warns Kallas in Brussels.