EU relaxes debt and spending limits for energy security investments (euobserver.com)

• EU relaxes debt/spending limits for energy investments
• Escape clause expanded to energy; up to 0.3% GDP per year
• Triggered by Strait of Hormuz blockade (4 months ongoing)
• Eligibility criteria not yet defined
• Italy seeks flexibility for gas; Commission favors electrification

"The European Commission has announced plans to relax debt and spending limits for energy-related investments by member states, aiming to speed up decarbonisation and reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels. This expands the 'escape clause' originally for defence spending, allowing up to 0.3% of GDP per year. Eligibility criteria have not yet been specified."