Mar 07 (V7N)- European Union (EU) leaders have backed a proposal to relax budget rules and allocate more funds for defense amid growing security concerns.

At an emergency meeting in Brussels on Thursday (March 6), EU leaders welcomed a European Commission proposal to borrow €150 billion on behalf of the 27 member states. The funds will be used to strengthen both national and collective European defenses.

In a joint statement, the leaders emphasized the urgency of the matter, directing their ministers to discuss the proposal swiftly.

This decision comes as the Donald Trump administration in the U.S. signals a reduced commitment to European security, having cut off military aid and intelligence support to Ukraine. Reports suggest growing pressure on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to negotiate with Russia.

During the Brussels meeting, EU leaders reaffirmed their support for Ukraine. However, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán was the only leader who did not back the proposal.

The plan marks a significant shift in EU policy, emphasizing greater financial and military autonomy as uncertainties around U.S. support continue to grow.

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