European Parliament approves resolution on EU rearmament: tensions between political groups

Green light for the ReArmEu plan, but the debate remains heated over the method and economic implications. The Commission proposal divides the Europarliament and the Italian government is cautious about the risks for public debt

The European Parliament has approved the resolution on the EU White Paper on Defence, including the ReArmEu plan, with 419 votes in favour, 204 against and 46 abstentions. The plan, presented by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, envisages massive investments to strengthen European defence, on the basis of Article 122 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), which excludes the involvement of Parliament in the decision-making process.

Von der Leyen emphasised the need to build a European Defence Union to counter external threats, with particular reference to Russian imperialism. However, the method adopted provoked criticism, especially from parliamentarians who see in the choice of Article 122 a deprivation of democratic confrontation.

Political divisions in Italy

Italian MEPs were divided on the vote. Members of Forza Italia, Fratelli d’Italia and part of the Partito Democratico sided in favour of the resolution, while the Lega, Movimento 5 Stelle and the Greens opposed it. The Greens, in particular, objected to the rearmament plan, arguing that a common defence should not strengthen national armies, but aim at a greater integration of defence policies.

The Italian government and the risks to public debt

In Italy, Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti expressed concern about the impact of the ReArmEu plan on public finances, stating that defence spending should not jeopardise debt sustainability or sacrifice fundamental sectors such as healthcare and public services. Giorgetti presented a proposal to improve synergies between national and European resources in the defence sector, aiming to mobilise private investment through a EUR 16.7 billion guarantee fund, with the goal of generating up to EUR 200 billion in additional investment.

The proposal aims to support European industry in strategic defence sectors, minimising the impact on public debt and strengthening cooperation with the European Investment Bank.

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