PM considers EU debt for defense upgrade

At an EU summit in Brussels, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated that while joint EU debt is not Denmark’s preferred initial response to ensure necessary defense upgrades, it is not completely ruled out due to the serious threat and situation posed by Russia. The issue of joint debt, which was controversially used during the COVID-19 pandemic, was raised by France and Estonia. Although European leaders agree on the need for rearmament, many are reluctant to create joint debt. Frederiksen and her Swedish counterpart Ulf Kristersson emphasize starting discussions with a focus on security policy rather than debt. Options for mobilizing funds for defense, including using frozen Russian assets in the EU, are being discussed, which Germany supports and Denmark fully endorses, aiming to make Russia pay for its crimes. Additionally, further defense investments through the European Investment Bank (EIB) are being considered.