No reason to worry that Israeli war will distract EU from Ukraine - MEP Melbarde

RIGA - There is no reason to worry that the attack on Israel by the terrorist group Hamas and the subsequent escalation of the conflict in the Middle East could distract the European Union (EU) from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, European Parliament Member Dace Melbarde (National Alliance) told Latvian Television this morning.

She acknowledged that events in the Middle East have brought "new geopolitical dynamics" to European politics, but that the EU is well aware that the outcome of the war in Ukraine will have a significant impact on the EU's own future, and it is in our interest to do absolutely everything to ensure that Ukraine wins this war.

At the same time, the MEP acknowledged that there is concern about the rhetoric of US politicians, including former President Donald Trump, in the context of the presence of US troops in Europe and the implementation of the NATO treaty. "This, of course, worries us much more, and for this reason the EU needs to think about its military industry," Melbarde said.

She acknowledged that Europe's military capacity is insufficient for the time being, even to provide the ammunition support promised to Ukraine. The industry should be strengthened, she said, for example by thinking about joint military procurement between EU countries.

"We are already moving in this direction, but obviously we should think about making it happen even faster," the MEP said.