Because of the usual end-user clause, Spain can only deliver “Leopard 2” tanks to Ukraine if Germany agrees. On trips abroad, both Chancellor Scholz and Economics Minister Habeck comment on this – the latter indicates his approval.
Federal Economics Minister Robert Habeck has shown sympathy for Spain’s approval of exporting “Leopard” tanks made in Germany to the Ukraine. During a visit to Ramallah in Palestine, the Green politician said that the Spanish government had not yet made a decision when he left on Monday. “I can’t anticipate the test now. But the official channels are clear. And I believe that Ukraine must be supported in these difficult times,” said Habeck.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz also emphasized on his trip to Lithuania that Spain had not yet made any request for the export of German-made Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine. If there is another such application, it will be examined, said the SPD politician.
Spain had bought the tanks in Germany. With a so-called end-use clause, Germany has – as is usual with such armaments deals – secured a proviso for the transfer to third parties, so that the federal government now has to agree. The body responsible for this is the Federal Security Council, which meets in one session or can also use the so-called circulation procedure to reach a consensus. Such a permit has already been granted, for example for howitzers from old GDR stocks, which the Estonian government had approved for transfer to the Ukraine.
The Chair of the Defense Committee of the Bundestag, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, had called for quick approval. “I very much hope that Federal Minister of Economics Robert Habeck will immediately grant approval for the export,” said the FDP politician to “Spiegel”. In view of the Russian artillery attacks on Ukrainian targets, urgency is required. The Spanish newspaper “El País” reported at the weekend that Spain was preparing to deliver around 40 Leopard 2 A4 main battle tanks.
