The Democratic Party and the 5 Star Movement found convergence in their opposition to the possibility of using Pnrr funds to purchase weapons and ammunition in Europe, as well as supporting Ukraine in the war against Russia. Tomorrow at the European Parliament in Brussels, the General Assembly will vote on the European Commission’s Asap (Ammunition Production Support Act), a plan to allocate one billion euros to accelerate the production of ammunition by European companies. Sent to Ukraine. Half of these resources will come directly from Brussels’ coffers, while the remaining 500m euros will be allocated by Member States.
The EU executive body, in its proposal, authorizes governments to use PNR and cohesion policy funds for this purpose. The Democratic Party presented a change aimed at eliminating this possibility and which should be supported by the entire socialist group and also by the pentastellati. Secretary Elly Schlein, who was supposed to be in Brussels last night, discussed the issue with the party’s deputies via video conference. However, it seems that the amendment will not win the support of other European groups and risks not being voted on.
At this point the Democrats would have to support the general text with Schlein, who would relinquish the freedom to vote, albeit with some deviations. Massimiliano Smeriglio has already declared his opposition to ASAP and says he is willing to support the text only if the Pd change passes. As early as May 10, Smeriglio, along with his M5S MEPs, voted against the demand for an urgent procedure for ASAP, while his colleague Pietro Bartolo abstained.
On the 5 Star side, however, there is complete opposition to the text. “We will vote against this despicable measure,” the delegation said in a statement, arguing that “strengthening the capacity to produce ammunition and weapons at a time when the only logical thing to do is to advance peace negotiations.” Therefore, pentastellati continues, “a fortiori, we will ensure that weapons production is not allowed through the use of European funds and with Pnrr.”
Rosa D’Amato of the Greens speaks of an “unacceptable step” that “betrays the values on which the European Union was founded” and announces that she is against ASAP. According to the Apulian MEP, “anticipating the use of Pnrr resources and compliance policy to create weapons is another disgrace of this scheme” because they are “resources that should only serve to promote the double digital transition and the economy.” , improving health services and public education, building shelters, fighting poverty. Not to incite death and destruction”.
“In Italy neither the funds from Pnrr nor the cohesion fund will be used for military purposes. However, this does not mean that other countries should be barred from such a possibility. Especially when they are the countries closest to the geographical theater. In Brussels, the liberals of Renew Europe “Those who have experienced the drama of war and experienced the meaning of Russian imperialism on their own skin,” said Nicola Danti of Italia Viva, sitting on the podium.
Source: Today IT
Emma Fitzgerald is an accomplished political journalist and author at The Nation View. With a background in political science and international relations, she has a deep understanding of the political landscape and the forces that shape it.
