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Dozen EU Members Seek Defense Spending Freedom

Thirteen EU member states have requested to activate emergency provisions allowing increased defense spending beyond budget limits as of April 30, 2025.
These requests come as part of a broader EU plan initiated in March 2025 to mobilize €800 billion to strengthen military capabilities amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The emergency measures permit EU member states to increase their defense budgets by up to 1.5% of GDP each year over a four-year period without violating the bloc’s fiscal regulations, aiding the shift toward higher national defense expenditures.
Balazs Ujvari noted that while 13 requests exist now, additional requests might follow, and the total fiscal impact remains uncertain since countries’ actual spending increases are not yet known.
The European Commission will assess requests while ensuring budgetary flexibility and debt sustainability, signaling a coordinated effort to address EU security needs without undermining fiscal discipline.

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Eesti Rahvusringhääling

Center

Half of EU member states have asked for an exemption from debt rules to increase defense spending

Of the five richest countries, only Germany has requested an exemption, which means that the rearmament plan may not bring in as much money for defense as hoped.

22 days ago·Estonia

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Euronews

Center

Just half of EU countries take up Brussels on defence fiscal leeway

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22 days ago·France

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aviationweek.com

Center

Dozen EU Members Seek Defense Spending Freedom

The EU says 12 of its member states have formally said they want to take advantage of an “escape clause” on spending limits to boost outlays for defense.

23 days ago

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Le Monde

Lean Left

Europe's rearmament: 16 EU countries call for exemption from the rules of budgetary stability in order to increase their military expenditure

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24 days ago·Paris, France

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az Aargauer Zeitung

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22 days ago

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Vogon Today

Salvini, Volpi and rearmament in Northern League style

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22 days ago

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