European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced plans to exempt defence spending from EU deficit calculations, potentially allowing member states to significantly increase military investments without breaching budget constraints.
Speaking at the Munich Security Conference on Friday, von der Leyen said she would propose activating an “escape clause” for defence investments, responding to calls from heavily indebted countries like Italy and Greece for greater spending flexibility.
“Now is the time to move mountains in the European Union”, said von der Leyen, a former German defence minister, emphasising the need for increased European security capabilities.
The Commission will also facilitate private investment in defence and launch joint projects of common interest, similar to existing clean energy initiatives, covering areas such as advanced air defence.
During her address, von der Leyen highlighted the EU’s support for Ukraine, noting that combined economic and military aid has reached €134 billion, including €52 billion in military assistance matching U.S. contributions.
“A failed Ukraine would weaken both Europe and the United States“, she warned, stressing the importance of securing “a fair and lasting peace” that ensures Ukrainian sovereignty.
The Commission president also reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to Ukraine’s eventual membership, stating that “Ukraine is part of our European family and its future lies here”.
The proposed measures include a broader package tailored to the specific defence spending needs of each of the EU’s 27 member states, according to officials familiar with the plans.
The initiative follows closed-door discussions with national leaders last week, as previously reported by Politico, and marks a significant shift in the EU’s approach to defence spending amid growing security concerns.
(information from capital.gr)
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