France wants to limit Ukraine's arms purchases with €90bn loan
France has come up with an initiative to limit the use of the €90bn loan for Ukraine, allowing the purchase of European weapons only. This was reported by Politico with reference to diplomatic sources in the EU.
It is about including a special clause in the financial mechanism «Buy European».
The essence of the French proposal
According to Politico, the French side insists that the funds of the large loan package should be used only for the purchase of weapons produced in the European Union.
If such an approach were adopted, Ukraine would not be able to buy weapons from the US or other non-EU countries, even if it is faster or more efficient in terms of combat needs.
The position of the Netherlands
The Netherlands sharply criticised the French initiative. Amsterdam believes that such restrictions are actually will tie Ukraine's hands and reduce its ability to quickly defend itself against Russian aggression.
The Dutch side insists that Kyiv should provide maximum freedom in the use of credit, The Ukrainian army has been able to supply weapons to the frontline, taking into account the real needs of the frontline and the speed of supply.
Context.
The debate is unfolding against the backdrop of the EU's simultaneous attempts:
strengthen its own defence industry;
provide Ukraine with the necessary weapons to deter Russia;
minimise dependence on external suppliers, in particular the US.
At the same time, critics of the initiative point out that European manufacturers are not always able to quickly provide the required volumes of modern weapons.
What's next
It is expected that the issue of the conditions for the use of €90 billion will be the subject of difficult negotiations between the EU countries. The final decision may significantly affect both the pace of Ukraine's rearmament and the balance of interests between the European defence industry and the real needs of the war.
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