Most governments are not using the mechanism to its full extent
EU defence spending through the bloc’s fiscal flexibility mechanism remains far below the €650 billion increase projected by the European Commission, Economy Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis has acknowledged.
The activation of the national escape clause is the main financial pillar of the Commission’s Defence Readiness Roadmap, unveiled in March last year, accounting for €650 billion of the €800 billion the EU executive hopes will be invested in defence by 2030.
The Commission had previously admitted that the figure was a “ballpark” estimate and said it would only gain a clearer understanding of member states’ spending plans after the first year of implementation.
Log in to continue reading for free
