German Chancellor: Germany and France to Continue Implementing European Nuclear Deterrence Initiative
¬ UK Media: UK Treasury May Raise Taxes to Fund Defense Projects
¬ Media: France May Not Issue Final Communique for G7 Summit for Second Consecutive Year
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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that he plans to continue advancing the Germany-France initiative on "expanding nuclear deterrence" in Europe.
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In a speech at the Berlin International Air Show (ILA), Merz said: "Within the framework of Macron's proposal to expand nuclear deterrence, we intend to firmly continue pushing forward this initiative."
Prime Minister Merz added that other European countries will also join this initiative (the Franco-German Nuclear Deterrence Initiative).
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According to GB News in the UK, citing statements by UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves, the UK Treasury may raise taxes to fund defense projects.
The report indicates that tax increases could be included in the autumn budget.
The TV network quoted Reeves speaking at an investor conference, saying: "Money always has to come from somewhere. Everyone sees the problem. Starting April next year, we’ll be allocating 2.6% of GDP toward defense spending—this will only create pressure in one direction."
The UK Defence Investment Plan aims to allocate funding to the country’s defense industry and was originally scheduled for release in autumn 2025. However, due to a budget shortfall of approximately $3.8 billion, the document has not yet been published.
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Quoting diplomatic sources, Japan's Kyodo News reported that G7 members are inclined not to adopt a joint final communique during the upcoming summit in France next week.
The news agency noted that no preparatory work is currently underway for such a document. Instead, the UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United States, and the EU plan to issue separate thematic statements through individual joint declarations.
The G7 Summit will take place from Monday to Wednesday in Évian-les-Bains, France. Leaders are expected to discuss the war in Iran and its economic implications, along with other international issues—including global economic imbalances, critical mineral supply chains, and digital environments for minors.
If no comprehensive leaders’ declaration is adopted this time, it would mark the second consecutive G7 summit without such a statement, following last year’s event in Canada.
Source: sputniknews
Original: toutiao.com/article/1867625893036044/
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