24国举债援乌，英媒戳醒欧洲：逼迫欧洲下跪的，不是远方的炮火，而是它自己身上越背越重

Core Viewpoint - Europe is attempting to support Ukraine through a collective debt mechanism, but this approach may exacerbate its own existing debt issues, which have been accumulating over the years [1] Group 1: Financial Decisions and Implications - 24 countries agreed to borrow €90 billion at zero interest to support the Ukrainian government for two years, with the debt guaranteed by the EU's collective credit [3] - Some countries, including Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic, have refused to act as guarantors for this collective debt, indicating underlying divisions within the EU [3] - The decision to borrow money rather than utilize frozen Russian assets reflects a preference for maintaining financial credibility, despite the potential risks involved [5][15] Group 2: Economic Challenges and Public Sentiment - Europe faces a "European disease" characterized by high welfare, high debt, and low economic growth, leading to significant fiscal challenges [7] - The public is concerned about who will ultimately repay the €90 billion, with potential implications for higher taxes or reduced welfare, which could lead to a decline in living standards [9] - The welfare system, once a point of pride, is now seen as rigid and burdensome in the face of economic slowdowns and crises, necessitating reliance on debt to cover expenses [11] Group 3: Long-term Risks and Strategic Considerations - The use of collective debt to aid Ukraine is viewed as a temporary solution that defers costs and risks to the future, raising questions about sustainability if the conflict persists [13] - There is a deep-seated fear of systemic risks in financial markets, leading to reluctance in utilizing Russian assets, as it could trigger severe repercussions for the EU's financial credibility [15] - The accumulation of public spending commitments, welfare programs, and the need for green investments has created a heavy fiscal burden that may hinder Europe's economic agility [17]