Verbatim report of proceedings

Thursday, 10 October 2019 - Brussels

Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027 and own resources: time to meet citizens' expectations (debate)

  Richard Tice (NI). – Mr President, the Treaty on the European Union prevents the allocation of EU budget for defence spending. Yet in this financial framework, some EUR 27 billion have been allocated to defence, including a 22-fold increase for the European Defence Fund. Outside this budget, using other budgets, Member States contribute to the EU Peace Facility and PESCO, as well as the EU Defence Agency. It is quite clear, despite assurances to the contrary, that the EU is looking to create and build an EU army. The United Kingdom wants nothing to do with an EU army, and that is one of the many benefits of leaving the European Union.

Although Member States seem to find this money for these defence contributions, only six Member States meet their NATO obligations to pay 2% of GDP. If wealthy countries like Germany and Italy cannot meet their obligations for NATO, why should they expect NATO to come to their assistance in their hour of need if they won’t pay.

(Applause)