The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, made this statement, as reported by Kontrakty with a reference to LIGA.net.
"During previous emergency crises, we provided member states with additional financial opportunities by activating escape clauses (from compliance with the Pact - ed.). In simpler terms, we allowed member states to significantly increase public investments related to the crisis. I believe we are currently in another period of crisis that requires a similar approach," von der Leyen stated.
According to her, the European Commission will also propose a "broader package of individual instruments" for various EU countries, with investment priorities to be determined at a pan-European level.
Currently, the European Union spends about 2% of its total GDP on defense, with expenditures increasing from 200 billion to 320 billion euros per year since 2022. Plans are in place to raise these expenditures to over 3% of total GDP.
It is worth noting that the Stability and Growth Pact requires EU countries to maintain their budget deficit below 3% of GDP and their public debt below 60% of GDP. Failing to meet this requirement could lead to sanctions from Brussels. Previously, the European Commission suspended the Pact during the coronavirus pandemic to allow governments to provide assistance to businesses and citizens.