Defense. Government will ask for exception to comply with budgetary rules

The government will ask the European Commission to activate the clause that allows an exception to compliance with budget rules. The goal is to accommodate the increase in expense with the defense area.

In a statement released Wednesday, the Ministry of Finance explains that the activation of this clause allows expenses related to the defense area, up to 1.5% of GDP, not accounted within the limits imposed by the ceilings of net primary expense.

Likewise, the note adds, expenses related to the defense area, up to 1.5% of GDP, will not be accounted for in the assessment of the reference value for the deficit (3%).

« This decision was consensualized with the largest opposition party, and the Socialist Party was heard by the government in this process, » says the statement.

The Ministry of Finance recalls that the European Commission “has made efforts to have a significant adhesion from member states to this national derogation clause,” in order to increase funding capacity in this sector.

Following the submission of requests by member states, which must be submitted by the end of April, the European Commission will be held to evaluate and validate the requests submitted.