Eastern countries want to benefit from EU rearmament plan

The eastern German federal states are calling for greater consideration to be given to EU upgrading programs. Current and future EU funding programs should include criteria to systematically consider structurally weak regions such as eastern Germany, according to a European declaration by the eastern states.

"Funding should also be provided for technologies with dual benefits, cyber solutions and medical technology in order to activate existing industrial potential in structurally challenged regions of the EU for value creation and resilience," reads the declaration, which was published after a meeting of the eastern German minister presidents in Brussels. In it, they call for "special consideration to be given" to defense investments and the implementation of the EU plan "ReArm Europe".

Eastern countries want to decide on the use of funds themselves

In the declaration, the heads of government reiterate their demand that they should continue to have a say in the distribution of EU funds. "We were able to make it clear that it is important that the federal states can continue to decide which priorities can be set," said Thuringia's Minister President Mario Voigt (CDU). It is easier to know where the needs are on the ground in order to invest in innovation and competitiveness.

Thuringia is chairing the Eastern Minister Presidents' Conference this year. As part of their 55th regional conference in the Belgian capital, the eastern German heads of government met with EU Commissioners for Budget, Cohesion and Migration and EPP Group leader Manfred Weber, among others.