MNI BRIEF: EC Urges Joint Applications For Defence Exemption
Mar-19 15:14By: David Thomas
European Union
The E Commission has proposed a "uniform timeline" for EU states to apply jointly for an exemption from the bloc's fiscal rules in order to boost defence spending.
European Economy Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis told reporters that the applications for the exemption or national escape clause would be done in a "coordinated way so that some countries are not singled out" if they apply.
In Wednesday's communication on the new measure, the Commission proposes that all member states which are interested should coordinate their applications and apply jointly before the end of next month. The Commission would then assess the applications by June, paving the way for the national escape clauses to be finally activated in July.
