MEP Kalinak: We're Considering Possible Referendum on Increased Defence spending

(STVR, 'O 5 minut 12', April 6) If the increased defence spending being discussed at the level of the European Union (EU) member states couldn't have a dual use, it would be appropriate to consider holding a referendum, MEP Erik Kalinak (Smer-SD) stated on STVR's discussion programme 'O 5 minut 12' (Five Minutes to Twelve) on Sunday as part of the Smer-SD's deliberations. "If a situation arises that it wouldn't be possible to use the increased spending on defence in a dual way, that is for example, also for infrastructure, reconstruction of bridges, construction of hospitals, and Slovakia should spend more only on weapons and ammunition, we can imagine organising a referendum on this issue so that we have a clear mandate from the citizens that such an increase in spending is not an option," said Kalinak. MEP Branislav Ondrus (Voice-SD) considers the plan of European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen "to rearm Europe", which should allow mobilising up to €800 billion in total, to be insane, pointing out that Europe doesn't have the means to make such investments and that the way to make Europe more able to defend itself is not to increase spending on weapons. "I agree with the need to strengthen Europe's security, but we have to do it in a different way, armaments have never brought more security," he noted. MEP Ludovit Odor (Progressive Slovakia/PS) is clearly in favour of increased spending on European defence. "If we can't rely on the USA in this respect, Europe must be able to protect its citizens," he stressed. However, he thinks it is too early to talk about a specific percentage increase. "All spending at European and national levels must be based on a common strategy in which synergies can be found. Let's define them first and then we can talk about specific percentages," he added. am