In a world of freedom of expression we assume the responsibility of what we say. Indeed, I did say that Germans and the EPP feel the nostalgia of the 1930s. However, that was a reference to arming Germany and Europe, not to Nazism. These are separate arguments. Please read carefully and do not misinterpret what is written.
Also, I said that the Germany’s former Defence Minister, Ursula von der Leyen, failed miserably in diplomacy, and I stand by what I have said. My explanations are clear. Ursula von der Leyen involved herself during the negotiations. Diplomacy, is not her remit. Diplomacy, and what we discuss must be under the remit of EU capitals. It was Josep Borrell’s remit not hers to negotiate and this is why the Treaty of Lisbon provides for a High Representative role.
Let me be explicit and clear. Russia, invaded Ukraine with arms aggression. It is illegal under international law to change borders with arms aggressions. It’s utterly obvious. However, the diplomatic mess is Ursula’s and her peers doing. On the Minsk agreements, as well as the Steinmeier Formula I said enough, so I won’t repeat myself again. I am glad that this was outlined in a blog.
Yes, Germany’s former defence minister, Ursula von der Leyen, as well as her EPP peers disrupted Europe’s diplomatic leverage. We are not blaming it on the West. We are blaming it on incompetent people who have no idea of diplomacy. You all remember her churlish attitude during the State of the Union speech, back in 2022. I remember her shouting and screeching like a lunatic.
Obviously, it is illegal under international law to change borders with arms aggression. This applies to Azerbaijan, too. Ah, but now Ilham Aliyev is Ursula’s most reliable partner. No sanctions were applied for sweeping Armenians out of Nagorno-Karabakh with arms aggression.
Lastly, The EU Budget cannot fund lethal weapons. The funding must come bilaterally from member states. The nuclear production and deterrence is indeed chilling. And the EPPs narrative is indeed scary.
Please, while at it let us know how we are going to fund it. This is clearly a different EU.
