The debate, opened by Pedro Sánchez, on the use of the term “rearme” in the European Union’s defense strategy has united, unexpectedly, the Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni. Both have expressed their rejection of this denomination during the recent top of European leaders, which has led to the European Commission to rethink your communication policy on the subject.
A controversial term
The European Commission’s plan to increase investments in security and defense has been presented under the name “Rearmar Europe”. However, this denomination has raised criticism by several Member States, including Spain and Italy. Sánchez has argued that security and defense are broader concepts than the mere “rearme”, while Meloni has warned about the confusion that the term can generate among citizens, especially in those countries remote from the border with Russia.
The spokeswoman of the Community Executive, Paula Pinho, acknowledged that the term It can arouse “sensibilities” and said Brussels is willing to reflect on the way in which he communicates his initiatives. In this sense, the Commission has already begun to use a new name, “preparation 2030” (Readiness 2030), with a broader approach.
((H3: unexpected union)
The coincidence of Sánchez and Meloni on this subject is striking given the ideological distance that separates them. After the criticisms of both, the European Commission has given opening signs to modify its communicative approach. The president of the agencyUrsula von der Leyen, has begun to use a broader terminology and less controversial, in order to avoid misunderstandings and resistances in some Member States.
The European Safe Defense Fund, endowed with 150,000 million euros, as well as the flexibility of budgetary standards to facilitate investment in security, will continue to be central axes of the community strategy. However, the narrative around these measures will adapt to ensure greater consensus and understanding among European citizens.
