European leaders are ramping up defense spending plans following Zelenskyy’s expulsion, with the European Commission proposing fiscal flexibility and a 150 billion euro plan to lend to EU governments for defense capabilities. The ReArm Europe plan aims to mobilize nearly 800 billion euros to support Ukraine and strengthen Europe’s defense against potential Russian aggression. Member states are urged to arm themselves faster than Russia, with a focus on flexibility under current EU fiscal rules to allow for increased defense spending.
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EU should use trade deals to send back migrants, says Belgian minister
Belgium's migration minister, Anneleen Van Bossuyt, advocates for the EU to leverage trade and visa policies to compel less developed countries to accept returned migrants, marking a shift from Brussels' traditional separation of trade and immigration. This approach aligns with rising far-right sentiments in Europe and echoes tactics used by the Trump administration, as the EU confronts increasing asylum applications and seeks to enforce stricter immigration controls. Need More Context? 🔎
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