MNI BRIEF: EU Ministers Could Discuss Defence Spending Monday
MNI (BRUSSELS) - European Union finance ministers could discuss the issue of increased defence spending by member states and how that is treated under the bloc’s new fiscal rules when they meet for an informal dinner under the new Polish Presidency later on Monday, an EU source told MNI.
The issue has already come up in the context of the launch of an excessive deficit procedure against Poland, the source said, speaking just as Donald Trump, who has called for big increases in European defence spending, is set to take over as U.S. president. (See MNI: Feb Summit To Discuss How To Fund EU Defence Boost)
The European Commission has refused so far to exempt Poland’s defence spending in the context of its EDP against the country, even though the new rules allow military expenditures to be taken into account.
While the Polish presidency has pushed hard for defence spending to be treated flexibly, others such as Germany, are likely to adopt a stricter stance.