The legal dispute concerns a loan of 150 million euros intended as seed capital for a larger weapons and defense program. The Commission views this amount as a first step in a much broader investment plan worth many billions. According to the European Parliament, however, this is a decision that requires democratic scrutiny.
The legal process is mainly symbolic. The matter is less about the exact amount and more about the balance of power within the European institutions. For the Parliament, democratic oversight is central. For the Commission, speed of action is paramount, in a time it says requires immediate measures.
The criticism is not about increased defense spending, but about how the Commission implemented this increase. Parliamentarians believe that such decisions can only be made jointly by the European institutions. They see the Commission's intervention as undermining their role.
The Commission defends its approach by pointing to the urgency. Commissioners emphasize that Europe must quickly strengthen its defense industry to stimulate new production capacity and innovation. The sum of 150 million euros is intended to leverage further investments, which in the coming years will amount to tens of billions.
The call for increased European defense spending stems directly from the growing threat from Russia. Brussels warns that Russian aggression is moving increasingly westward. To respond adequately, the Commission considers substantial and accelerated investments in a domestic weapons and defense industry unavoidable.
Support for Ukraine also plays a central role. The Commission states that the European Union must prepare for greater responsibility in the long term. Since the United States seems increasingly unwilling to remain involved, the EU must guarantee additional military aid to Kyiv itself.
The Parliament in Strasbourg remains divided on how best to allocate the funds. Some factions advocate strengthening joint European programs, while others prefer national defense projects. This political division is separate from the legal disagreement but complicates decision-making further.
Chair Roberta Metsola announced that the Parliament will bring the case to the European court. With this, the representatives aim to set a precedent: decisions about defense budgets cannot be made without their consent. The coming months will reveal how the Court assesses the competence issue.