EU topping: Leyen wants defense spending without limits!

EU topping: Leyen wants defense spending without limits!

The EU faces a explosive decision that could fundamentally change the financial policies of its Member States. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen plans to activate a special clause that decreases defense spending from the union's strict budget specifications. This could enable the states to make far -reaching investments in their military equipment despite the existing budget deficits. This initiative was launched in response to the growing global threats, especially Russia, and the declining security -political support from the United States, as said by the Leyen at the Munich Security Conference. The planned step comes against the background of rising NATO guidelines that force the member states to invest considerably more in their defense. According to the Leyen, the EU countries would have to raise their defensive expenses from currently about two percent to over three percent of gross domestic product, which would mean a financial burden of several hundred billion euros per year, such as tagesschau.de reported.

Criticism of the special clause

The plans of von der Leyen meet sharp criticism. Harald Vilimsky, the delegation manager of the Freedom Party in the European Parliament, described the proposal as "dangerous" and "enormously irresponsible". He warns of the financial consequences of this regulation and sees the risk that a variety of crisis scenarios will be used as an excuse for continuing debt. "Who decides when an emergency is available?" Asks Vilimsky and demands a clear rejection of this special clause. In his view, the loosening of the budget discipline of catastrophic effects on the financial stability of the entire EU could have a dangerous precedent. Rather, in its opinion, the EU should rely on economic stability and diplomatic solutions instead of providing billions for military projects, such as ots.at reported.