In response to mounting security challenges, including threats from Russia, the European Commission has proposed significant changes to its fiscal rules to facilitate increased defense spending across EU member states. Ursula von der Leyen has emphasized the need to trigger an emergency clause and exempt defense expenses from existing budget constraints. This comes as EU leaders, including Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis, express support for deeper defense cooperation with NATO and the necessity for a pan-European military alternative in light of US troop withdrawals from Europe. The changes are expected to provide countries with more flexibility in their defense investments, prompting discussions about the potential for a non-US NATO alliance.