Italy and Spain have expressed hesitance about the European Union's ambitious proposal to provide up to 40 billion euros in military aid to Ukraine, as the EU seeks to bolster its support amid the country’s continued struggle against Russian aggression. During the meeting of European foreign ministers held on March 17, 2025, these two countries indicated they were not yet prepared to endorse the proposal put forth by Kaja Kallas, the EU foreign policy chief, which aims to double the military support initially provided last year.
This significant proposal would double the military assistance provided to Ukraine from EU nations, which amounted to about 20 billion euros the previous year. The European officials argue the plan is necessary to continue supporting Ukraine on the battlefield, particularly as diplomatic isolation of Russia has waned and uncertainties loom over future U.S. support under the Biden administration.
Kaja Kallas remarked after the ministerial meeting, "The proposal received broad political support," indicating encouragement from several member states particularly from northern and eastern Europe. Yet, Spain's Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares expressed caution, stating, "We will see how the debate progresses, but at this moment there is no decision on this." His Italian counterpart, Antonio Tajani, echoed similar sentiments, remarking it was too early to establish any definitive stance.
Analysts note the growing divide within the EU, as countries like Estonia, Denmark, and Lithuania have contributed more than 2% of their GDP to Ukraine from January 2022 to December 2024. Conversely, countries including Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, and Cyprus have contributed less than 0.5% of their GDP, with Hungary consistently opposing any military aid to Ukraine.
The strategic aid package aims to supply Ukraine with substantial military equipment, including two million artillery shells, air defense systems, long-range precision missiles, and drones. These efforts are viewed as part of the EU's collective action to safeguard Ukraine's military capabilities as it seeks to negotiate peace terms and defend against continued Russian incursions.
Since discussions of this military package began last month, there is understood to be broad political backing for the initiative, as it stands as one of the EU's significant military actions to date. Despite majority support, some member states, particularly Italy and France, are calling for more time to review the proposals and clarify their commitment levels.
The initiative is also perceived as tactical pressure on nations lagging behind on their commitments, especially when compared to more generously contributing northern and eastern member states. There is anticipation for discussions around these disagreements at the upcoming EU summit scheduled for March 20, 2025, where leaders will attempt to come to terms on the final details of the support package.
Adding another layer of complexity, U.S. President Donald Trump is slated for a discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin the day after the ministers’ meeting. This call could signal shifts or reaffirmations concerning international aid and diplomatic strategies related to the conflict.
Critics within the EU are wary of Hungary, which continues to block aid, and Slovakia has indicated they will not obstruct the decision but will not contribute either. These positions could potentially undermine the collective effort to furnish Ukraine with necessary military equipment, leaving uncertainties about commitments among weaker contributors.
While many EU nations acknowledge the urgency for bolstered support for Ukraine, the reluctance of Italy and Spain may reflect broader concerns about long-term military engagements and the economic ramifications within their own borders. The discussions initiated by Kallas will proceed, but the path forward remains fraught with different priorities and perspectives among EU members.
Overall, the comprehensive plan and contributions from various nations remind observers of the delicate balance within the EU concerning foreign policy and military assistance strategies. The commitment to Ukraine’s defense may be tested not only by economic and geopolitical factors but also by the internal coherence of the European Union on this pressing issue.
