A narrow majority of parliamentarians signaled they do not support the Dutch Cabinet's willingness to take part in the European Commission’s bid to raise European Union defense spending by 800 billion euros. The leaders of the EU Member States unanimously agreed to the plan last week, with Prime Minister Dick Schoof joining his counterparts in requesting that European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen's plans be developed further.
One caused by counting on internal division in the EU, the probability of which increases when we fail to have a unified response right now. Basically just gambling that countries like the Netherlands won’t be willing to defend, e.g., a Baltic country. Russia could certainly beat the militaries of small Baltic states one by one, if it is breaking even with Ukraine. No joint response would mean selling out member states and effectively disabling the whole concept of the EU. Joint response would mean war for everyone.
I would prefer a future that minimises the probability of this gamble being made, and nobody gets invaded.
Article 42 leaves no space for selling out.
The promise of the EU is mutual support while remaining independent. There are enough citizens who don’t want to become another united states. With too much push for unity, there is a risk that the EU breaks apart.
The joint investment response is not necessary since the EU is stronger than Russia. Given van der Leyen’s vaccine history, there is a big risk that the money will not be spent wisely.