BRUSSELS (CHATNEWSTV) — European Union leaders agreed Thursday to loosen budget rules, allowing member states to invest more in defense, a move Estonia’s Prime Minister Kristen Michal said would accelerate the country’s military buildup.
“Estonia is targeting defense spending at five percent of GDP. The decisions made yesterday help us achieve this goal faster,” Michal said. “Together, we can count on up to 800 billion euros to boost the defense capabilities of the European Union and help Ukraine.”
The agreement, reached at a special European Council meeting, also included support for a potential EU-wide defense loan.
Michal said the summit underscored the bloc’s recognition of the growing security threat from Russia. “It is important to invest in critical capabilities such as air defense, ammunition procurement, and long-range firepower,” he added.
EU leaders also met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. “We reaffirmed our full support for Ukraine in the war against Russian aggression and stand ready to make a greater joint contribution,” Michal said. He added that Estonia is considering deeper cooperation with Ukraine, particularly in drone production.
The shift in EU fiscal policy is expected to give member states more leeway in defense spending amid rising security concerns.
