German Finance State of Emergency: Spending Freeze Imposed on All Ministries

The EU is getting a German-infused PR machine — with double the money

Ursula von der Leyen plans to pull from existing EU funds to create a new marketing budget — and is leaning on Germans to deliver.

Ursula von der Leyen wants to sell you on Europe — via Germany.

Starting in 2024, the EU’s top executive is planning to double the European Commission’s annual communications budget from €30 million to €60 million. There’s a war on, the rationale goes, and Europe can’t afford to lose out in the battle to capture the narrative. Disinformation is rampant. Disillusionment is creeping in.
“Particularly, in times of crisis, it is more important than ever that democratic institutions communicate clearly to all citizens about their actions to solve our most pressing challenges,” a Commission spokesperson said.
But the Commission’s plan to operate and fund the endeavor already has people bristling. . .

03 February 2023

Arriving on The Kyev Night Train: Red Carpet for Zelensky's Sugar Momma - EU Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen,

Performative Politics with more money changing hands, Caching! Caching!

‘Europe stood united with Ukraine from day one’

EU officials told the Reuters news agency this week’s meetings would address more arms and money for Ukraine as well as more access for Ukrainian products to the EU market and helping Kyiv cover its energy needs.

Sanctions on Russia, prosecuting Russia’s leadership for the war, and extending an EU no-roaming mobile calls zone to Ukraine would also be discussed, the officials said.

The EU has already earmarked almost 60 billion euros ($65bn) in aid to Ukraine, including nearly 12 billion euros ($13.2bn) of military support and 18 billion euros ($19.8bn) to help run the country this year.

Further underpinning Kyiv’s response to Russia’s offensive, the EU’s Borrell on Thursday announced doubling the number of Ukrainian troops to be trained by the bloc to 30,000 this year. He also promised 25 million euros ($27.5m) for de-mining areas recaptured by Ukraine.

“Europe stood united with Ukraine from day one. And will still stand with you to win and rebuild,” Borrell wrote on Twitter.

The EU’s top officials for migration, agriculture, economy and justice are also in the Ukrainian capital."

Source: Al Jazeera and news agencies