Germany likely to ask for EU leeway on defence spending, finance minister says

According to the Ministry of Finance, most EU countries will probably apply for the same permit.

Merz wants to strengthen roads and the Bundeswehr with XXL debt, but strict EU rules could endanger his plan.

The EU army: more than just a beautiful vision?

Only Germany submitted the request to activate a budget clause for the Defense, with the deadline ending at the end of the month. Brussels is in contact with all Member States on the matter.

Germany triggers EU’s emergency clause for defense spending

Acting Finance Minister Jörg Kukies also pushes for wider definition of security investment.

Germany wants to be able to implement its 900 billion rearmament plan, but to do so it needs a concession from the European Union. For this reason, as announced by a spokesperson for the Ministry of Finance, it has already asked the Commission that defense spending be exempted from the limits imposed by the Stability Pact. “An increase in defense spending is essential - said the spokesperson - Therefore, on 19 March, the European Commission prop…