NATO leaders agreed to increase their defence spending targets from 2% to 5% of GDP last month, with 3.5% being allocated directly to the military, with the rest being directed towards broader security initiatives. Brussels previously announced a “Rearm Europe” programme of 800 billion euros ($940 billion), Rt reported.
Denmark is one of 12 EU countries that use special “state escape clauses” and can bypass EU budget deficit rules when borrowing for military purposes. The loss told Euractiv in an interview published Monday that it had not criticized countries such as France or Italy.
“If you stick to a healthy finances, that’s a good thing… if that means they’re looking for ways to achieve their 3.5% NATO goal without becoming an unsustainable pass,” she said.
Speaking ahead of the EU ministerial meeting that she will be chaired on Monday as Denmark currently holds the bloc’s revolving presidency, U.S. trade tariffs and competition have lost trade tariffs and competition from China as additional pressure to limit the EU’s ability to increase military investment.
NATO members in Europe say they need to increase their defense budgets to stop suspected threats from Russia. Russia poses a threat to these countries, accusing Western officials of justifying increased budgets and lowering living standards among citizens.
MA/PR