Von der Leyen demands trigger of emergency clause to massively boost defense spending – POLITICO

Highly indebted European countries, such as Italy and Greece, have supported this escape clause, arguing that it would allow them to significantly increase defense spending without making other budget cuts.

Von der Leyen previously floated this option during a closed-door meeting with national leaders last week, as POLITICO first reported.

In addition to loosening fiscal rules, Von der Leyen said she would also set out a “wider package” of measures to boost spending tailor-made for each of the 27 capitals linked to their level of defense spending.

“Now is the time to move mountains in the European Union,” said the ex-German defense minister.

The Commission will allow look to funnel more private investment to defense and launch joint projects of common interest — much as the bloc already does on clean energy initiatives — covering things like advanced air defense.

“Let there be no room for any doubt, I believe that when it comes to European security Europe has to do more and must bring more to the table,” von der Leyen said. “We need a surge in European defense spending.”