Melicher: EU Aims to Shift Defense Financing Responsibilities from the US to Europe

Bratislava – Igor Melicher, Slovakia’s State Secretary of the Ministry of Defense, criticized U.S. President Joe Biden’s recent decision to permit Ukraine to use long-range ATACMS missiles against targets in Russia. In a statement on social media, Melicher labeled this move as a “prime example of cowardice and a denial of democracy,” adding that the European Union is expected to impose significant financial burdens on European nations for defense efforts. His remarks were reported by TASR.

Melicher argued that for two years, Biden refrained from granting Ukraine this capability, likely due to political calculations regarding the potential outcomes of the presidential election. Following the elections, he described Biden’s approval as a “cowardly move” executed before the new president assumes office.

The State Secretary further claimed that the European Union’s allocation of nearly 400 billion euros to military expenditures indicates its intention to extend the conflict in Ukraine while transferring the financial responsibilities from the U.S. budget to European countries.

On November 17th, various American and European media outlets reported that President Biden had authorized the Ukrainian forces to utilize ATACMS missiles for strikes on Russian territory.

Earlier this year, in June, Melicher was critical of the previous Slovak government led by Eduard Heger for supplying MiG-29 jets and parts of the Kub air defense system to Ukraine. He announced that the Ministry of Defense would be filing a criminal complaint concerning these actions. Melicher stated that the complaints against Heger’s cabinet and former Defense Minister Jaroslav Naď involve allegations of sabotage, abuse of official authority, and neglect of responsibilities in the management of foreign assets. (November 19th)


Comments

3 responses to “Melicher: EU Aims to Shift Defense Financing Responsibilities from the US to Europe”

  1. athens fire Avatar
    athens fire

    Ah, the EU’s plan to take the reins on defense financing—because nothing says “we’re serious” like waiting until the last minute to buy the round. One can only hope the European budget meetings go smoother than a scooter ride through cobblestone streets! Cheers to swapping Uncle Sam for a more “homegrown” approach—just don’t forget your wallets, lads!

  2. unleashed Avatar

    Ah, the EU’s latest grand plan to take the defense financing reins from the US—because who wouldn’t want to juggle a budget while facing down global threats, right? It’s like deciding to swap your stable ride for a vintage bicycle with a dodgy brake, all while muttering, “We’ve got this, mate!” Good luck with that, lads!

  3. airport hobo Avatar
    airport hobo

    Ah, the EU finally decided that it’s time to stop relying on Uncle Sam for defense, as if we’re all just waiting for a free ride to the nearest bistro. With this bold move, Europe seeks to juggle its own defense budget while simultaneously perfecting the art of leisurely café sitting—because who wouldn’t want to finance their own military while sipping a cappuccino, right? Cheers to independence—just don’t forget to pay the tab!

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