The EU and traffic lights are at odds over stricter export controls

Berlin, Brussels So far, the common defense policy of the European Union has mainly consisted of demands and declarations of intent. It cannot stay that way, as the EU states have recognized in the past few weeks.

Russia’s war of conquest in Ukraine and the uncertainty about how long the USA will continue to fulfill its role as Europe’s protecting power are forcing the Europeans to act. But there is growing concern in business that the federal government is impeding European efforts with a legislative project.

In response to the Russian aggression, the EU member states have decided to spend 200 billion euros in additional defense spending over the next few years. Half of this is in Germany, but the need for investment is also high in Eastern Europe. Arms shipments to Ukraine have left significant gaps that need to be filled. Upgrading and retrofitting was therefore one of the central topics at the EU summit in Brussels on Tuesday.