European parliamentarian Weber calls for war economy in Europe

Manfred Weber, a Bavarian Christian Democrat (CSU) politician and head of the European People’s Party (EPP), the largest group in the European Parliament (AP), made notable statements to Die Welt, advocating for a shift in Europe’s mindset towards a war economy.

Weber, seen as the architect of the EPP’s partial collaboration with groups to its right, argued that the new European Commission bears the stamp of the EPP’s political program. “Take a look at the new legislative proposals a hundred days after the European Commission took office; they all bear the stamp of the EPP. For example, a determined policy on deportations, support for agriculture, defense, and the reduction of bureaucracy. We are bringing Europe to life for its citizens,” he said.

Weber emphasized the importance of whether the Greens and Social Democrats, previously allies of the EPP, would remain in a “leftist bubble.” He expressed confidence that these parties, along with the Christian Democrats, would strengthen the “center,” thereby weakening radical parties.

Regarding the “firewall” policy against the “far right,” Weber stated, “The firewall means a joint fight against the enemies of democratic values, the enemies of Europe and the free world. But the firewall does not mean a right of veto for leftist programs.”

When asked, “What will you do if these [right-wing] parties support the Commission’s proposals while the Greens and Social Democrats oppose them?”—referring to his openness to cooperation with right-wing parties like Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s party, while closing doors to groups further to the right such as the European Patriots for Europe (PfE) and European Nations Alliance (ESN)—he responded:

“Do you remember? In the last legislative term, the left-wing group in parliament, together with [Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor] Orbán’s party Fidesz and other radical forces, voted against the controversial nature restoration law, and together with the AfD against trade agreements or a migration agreement. There were frequent joint votes.”

Weber emphasized that they would not seek support from or work with the “radical right and left” in the AP for projects aimed at a “Citizens’ Europe,” but would accept it if these forces came with “unspoken” agreements.

The German politician stated that he was not surprised by the new Trump administration’s rhetoric that Europe should now ensure its own security, arguing that Trump’s statement that 330 million Americans cannot defend 450 million Europeans forever is “understandable.”

“Our problem is that we are not prepared for this,” Weber said, noting that he has frequently advocated for a “European defense” in recent years and that many years have been wasted by doing nothing in Berlin and Paris.

Weber added, “Apparently, a second Trump is needed to wake up Europe. I am pleased that the European Commission is now submitting proposals for a rearmament drive worth 800 billion euros.”

The EPP leader, underlining that Europe must defend itself independently, noted that he was “tired” of always looking to Washington for the EU’s security.

Believing in efficiency and prioritizing European companies, Weber also stated that they need a joint missile and drone defense shield and an independent European satellite surveillance system.

The EPP leader noted the need for a center of excellence for the development of artificial intelligence-focused innovations and a joint European military command integrated into NATO structures. “In this case, a European defense chief of staff should also be able to command the renewed national armies and give clear instructions on procurement. By the way, this issue was already agreed upon with France by Adenauer in 1952, but unfortunately, it was never implemented,” he said.

In one of the most important parts of the interview, Weber said, “Considering the threats, we must now shift our thinking in Europe to a war economy.”

The German politician noted that this means accelerating approval procedures for armaments, more cooperation among European defense manufacturers, and that in the future, defense manufacturers will “work in weekend shifts” and “companies that previously produced industrial goods for civilian purposes will start producing weapons.”

“We have to be creative; time is of the essence,” Weber said.