Thank you. Good afternoon everyone.
The main topic discussed today was the increase in defense spending at EU and national levels.
The Commission is working intensively on proposals for the ReArm Europe plan, to be presented shortly.
There is broad support for the coordinated activation of the national escape clause.
Spending should be targeted and temporary, with fiscal sustainability in mind.
There are advantages to using the broad COFOG definition for defense spending.
The EU will continue to support Ukraine with financial aid, mobilizing €30.6 billion in 2025.
To date, the EU has provided €135 billion in aid to Ukraine.
The EU is committed to maintaining and strengthening sanctions.
Improving Europes economic base is essential for security.
Proposals to simplify EU rules were presented, such as delaying the CSRD and CSDDD directives.
There is broad support for these simplification proposals.
The Commission is currently assessing payment requests from Member States for NextGenerationEU.
Consideration must be given to the legal deadline of August 2026 for achieving milestones.
The plans of Belgium and Ireland have been revised and approved.
Thank you.