EU Divided Over Proposal to Double Military Aid for Ukraine

Italy and Spain hesitate to back the €40 billion initiative as northern and eastern EU nations push for increased defense spending.

The EU is considering a proposal to double military aid for Ukraine to €40 billion in 2025, following €20 billion in aid last year.
Italy and Spain, two of the bloc's largest economies, have expressed reservations, citing financial constraints and the need for further discussions.
Northern and eastern European nations, including Lithuania and Estonia, strongly support the plan, emphasizing the need for collective defense against Russia.
Hungary and Slovakia, which do not provide military aid to Ukraine, have stated they will not contribute but cannot block the proposal due to its voluntary nature.
Uncertainty over U.S. support for Ukraine under President Trump has heightened pressure on the EU to bolster its own defense commitments.