Defense above all: EU activates emergency mechanism to increase military spending.

The European Commission activates emergency provisions to strengthen defense spending

The European Commission has announced its intention to activate emergency provisions that will allow EU countries to temporarily deviate from fiscal constraints to enhance defense expenditures. According to the proposal, defense spending should amount to 1.5% of GDP over the next four years, which could ultimately lead to the unlocking of 650 billion euros.

However, the Commission plans to avoid broad reclassification of defense expenditures to prevent misuse and misallocation of funds. Commissioner for Economy Valdis Dombrovskis emphasized that this measure is temporary and Europe should prepare for a prolonged increase in defense spending.

On the other hand, Spain did not receive the Commission's support for expanding the definition of defense spending to include costs related to civil protection and cybersecurity. However, expenditures on soldiers' salaries, military training, equipment, infrastructure, and some cybersecurity initiatives are included within the framework.

The final decision to activate emergency provisions must be made by the governments of EU countries by the end of April, maintaining their autonomy.