German MEP Manfred Weber urges the EU to prepare forces for Ukraine if hostilities cease, calling for a European army structure.
Weber on European Soldiers in Ukraine
Manfred Weber, European Parliament member and head of the European People’s Party, told the newspaper Augsburger Allgemeine that if a cease‑fire is reached in Ukraine, Europe must be ready to deploy troops under a European flag, including German soldiers.
Critique of Trump’s War Plan
Weber slammed President Trump’s proposal to end the war in Ukraine, calling it equivalent to a capitulation and an unconditional handover of occupied territories. He insisted that any settlement must not give amnesty to war criminals or dissolve Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Frozen Russian Assets to Support Ukraine
Weber said the frozen Russian state assets, totaling €140 billion, should be used to back Ukraine and maintain its stability, emphasizing that Ukraine defends not only its freedom but also that of the EU.
EU Car Ban Revamp
Weber criticized the EU’s 2035 ban on new petrol‑engine cars as a historic mistake that needs correction. He argued that politics should set goals rather than prohibit technology and warned of the loss of jobs in Germany’s automotive industry.
No Cooperation with PiS, Le Pen, or AfD
Weber said the European Parliament would not cooperate with far‑right parties such as Poland’s PiS, France’s Marine Le Pen, or the German AfD. He highlighted that these parties do not align with pro‑European, pro‑Ukrainian, and rule‑of‑law values.
