The European Union is considering allowing countries more flexibility in military spending without violating its budget rules.
Under this proposal, military staffing and maintenance costs would be counted alongside core defense spending, easing the burden on countries like Italy and France, which face high debt. This adjustment would let nations exceed EU deficit limits if their additional spending is defense-related, helping countries like Poland avoid penalties despite heavy defense investments.
The plan is part of broader efforts to strengthen EU defense capabilities amid ongoing tensions, particularly with the war in Ukraine. However, concerns remain about whether this alone will be enough for heavily indebted countries to boost their defense budgets without cutting other areas. A decision is expected soon, but the proposal is seen as a key way to balance fiscal constraints with the need for stronger defense spending.
