Russian News
MILPLEX
16 EU states seek budget concessions to lift defence spending
16 EU states seek budget concessions to lift defence spending
by AFP Staff Writers
Brussels, Belgium (AFP) April 30, 2025

Sixteen European Union countries will seek exemptions from the bloc's public debt rules so they can ramp up defence spending, the EU said Wednesday.

With the continent looking to rearm following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and US President Donald Trump's stance on European security, the European Commission last month said it would give member states more wiggle room on spending.

In an easing of its once strict rule on budget deficits, Brussels will now let states splash out up to 1.5 percent of national output on defence for four years without fear of breaching its strict public debt limits.

Belgium, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Croatia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Slovakia and Finland have decided to trigger the budget exemption clause, an EU statement said.

EU countries had until the end of April to inform the bloc of their decision to opt in to the suspension.

Twelve countries had already formally requested exemption and four more had committed to do so, according to the European Commission and European Council.

In March, the EU forecast that the suspension could unlock defence spending worth up to 650 billion euros ($736 billion), while acknowledging that figure was an estimate.

France, Spain and Italy have been among countries to stay away from the exemption, even though they have pledged to increase their defence spending.

"We remain open for more requests" for exemptions, European Economic Affairs Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis said on Wednesday, quoted in a press release.

Since 2021 military spending by the 27 EU members has risen by more than 31 percent, reaching 326 billion euros in 2024.

Related Links
The Military Industrial Complex at SpaceWar.com
Learn about the Superpowers of the 21st Century at SpaceWar.com

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters
Tweet

RELATED CONTENT
The following news reports may link to other Space Media Network websites.
MILPLEX
Hegseth dismisses Pentagon advisory committees
Washington DC (UPI) Apr 26, 2025
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has dismissed the members of DOD advisory committees, the department confirmed in a statement on its website. "Secretary Hegseth appreciates the members' efforts on behalf of the department and the United States of America, but changes are needed to support the new strategic direction and policy priorities of the department and to ensure departmental resources are used efficiently," the Defense Department statement reads. The Pentagon also announced ... read more

MILPLEX
US to stage military parade on June 14, Trump's birthday

Japan, China accuse each other of airspace 'violation' near disputed islands

India defence minister to attend Russia's Victory Day parade

Zelensky calls for fair peace with no 'rewards' for Putin

MILPLEX
Iran says 'has every right' to enrich uranium, dismissing US concerns

Iran denies aiding Yemen Huthis in Israel airport attack

India and Pakistan: vast nuclear-armed military forces

France warns of sanctions on Iran if nuclear deal not reached

MILPLEX
New Shenzhou Crew Begins Handover Operations Aboard Tiangong

Commercial space sector drives China's high-tech ambitions

10 Intertnational lunar projects picked for Chang'e 8 mission

SAR astronauts prepare for landmark 2026 space mission

MILPLEX
9 dead, dozens hurt after boats capsize in China: state media

Bad weather postpones return of Chinese astronauts to Earth

New York ex-cop jailed for hounding US residents for China

UK demands answers after MP denied entry to Hong Kong

MILPLEX
Australia launches "world's largest" battery-power ship

ITER completes record breaking superconducting magnet system for fusion energy

Microscale weld imaging unlocks improved durability for fusion power plants

Indonesia says China's Huayou to replace LGES in EV battery project

MILPLEX
MILPLEX
Sidus Space awarded US patent allowance for modular satellite system

HRL and Boeing advance quantum satellite communications milestone

Armed Forces Network to reduce radio programs next month

US says China satellite company aiding attacks by Yemen's Huthis

MILPLEX
Denmark to add 5,000 military positions

Nordics, Lithuania plan joint purchase of combat vehicles

Germany leads allies in $24B military aid package for Ukraine

Finland to leave anti-personnel mine treaty

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters




The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us.