Editorial: La Vanguardia

• Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Germany started a new era in foreign and defense policy, marking a shift from its low military profile to an investment of 100 billion euros.
• The conflict in Ukraine has driven the military debate in the EU, along with concerns over a potential relaxation of the United States' commitment to NATO.
• The EU is seeking to avoid a defeat of Ukraine, which would amount to tacit acceptance of Putin's expansionism.
• There is a shift towards greater European strategic autonomy, rationalization, and cohesion of member countries' military spending.
• Measures are being taken to reduce dependency on the US military industry, including the creation of a European Defense Commissioner and the European Peace Mechanism.
• The European rearmament raises questions about funding and potential influences on other budget areas, such as social spending or the green agenda.

Conclusion: Russia's invasion of Ukraine has been a turning point in European defense policy, driving a move towards increased autonomy and investment in defense. However, this raises questions about financial implications and budget priorities.

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