The European Commission has granted EU countries greater freedom to spend on energy security amid supply risks, Report informs referring to the EC.
This represents a temporary relaxation of EU budgetary rules.
Countries will be able to allocate additional funds to measures to enhance the resilience of their energy systems and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
If governments require more funds for energy security, this additional spending will not be fully taken into account when assessing compliance with EU budgetary constraints.
This is particularly important against the backdrop of the conflict in the Middle East and the associated risks for global energy markets, the Commission notes.
Brussels is thus allowing governments to respond more quickly to such threats without fear of problems with compliance with EU budgetary rules.
The relaxation is intended to last from 2026 to 2028, but does not mean an opportunity to increase spending uncontrollably: it will be limited and must be tied specifically to energy security, the Commission stated.