Leaders of the European Union have voted to approve a plan to dramatically increase defense spending. The move is a reaction to the U.S. reducing its support for Ukraine in the war against Russia’s invasion. We go to Brussels to understand the ramifications.
And we hear what the series of recent developments in the relationship between the U.S. and Ukraine could mean for peace talks with Russia.
Although I understand the need, the re-armament of Europe makes me sad. Imagine what we could have done with all this money. Research, culture, decarbonisation, social programs, housing… but instead we have to use it on ways to kill people.
Sad really.
I’m very happy that Europe finally is letting go of the US, but yeah, it’s sad to see all this money go to waste.
This money literally wouldn’t exist otherwise. Or conversely: We could just make up some more money for housing if we wished to, if the powers that be allowed that. The hard limit is never money, the hard limit is willpower and material resources.
Which money is an accounting mechanism for.
What this actually means is that people will work for tank manufacturers instead of developing civilian EVs or whatever. Same story for the steel and equipment that goes into it.
But this money is willpower and material resources that could be spent elsewhere : research, culture, decarbonisation, social programs, housing…
Though I share your frustration, you just don’t get to have most of those things, if your country gets invaded.
And if YOUR country is lucky to be left alone, yet only your neighbouring countries are invaded, that is bound to affect you economically regardless.
From a purely economic perspective, I would think rearming Europe is the least costly thing to do in the long run.
Yes, it’s the right call, but it’s sad someone’s actions have made it necessary, I guess.
Yeah yeah I 100% align with CAVOK initial’s comment, this seems necessary to me, but sad because the potential aggressors really seem to make the world worse for everyone but themselves. And by “themselves” I don’t mean whole countries, only the sucker leaders.