EU Parliament President Warns of Legal Action Over Defense Loan
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola has issued a formal warning to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, threatening legal proceedings if the Commission moves forward with a proposed €150 billion defense loan package without proper parliamentary oversight.
Budgetary Dispute Over Article 122
The controversy centers on the Commission’s reliance on Article 122 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), a legal mechanism that allows for emergency measures by the EU’s executive branch without the need for approval by the European Parliament.
In a letter sent on Monday, Metsola argued that bypassing the Parliament undermines democratic accountability and legislative scrutiny, warning that the use of Article 122 for such a massive financial initiative could “put democratic legitimacy at risk.”
The Commission’s plan is part of its broader 'Readiness 2030' strategy, which aims to mobilize €800 billion in defense investment across the EU by the end of the decade. The €150 billion loan initiative is envisioned as a foundational component to enhance military capabilities in response to perceived threats from Russia.
Commission Defends Legal Justification
Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier responded by defending the legal basis, stating that Article 122 would only be used in “exceptional circumstances” and that the current geopolitical climate justifies such measures.
“Europe is facing an unprecedented security challenge,” Regnier told Euronews. “The Commission will always be available to explain why Article 122 is the appropriate basis in this context.”
Von der Leyen initially introduced the plan in March, citing what she described as a “serious threat from Russia,” though Moscow has strongly rejected claims of any intent to attack EU member states. President Vladimir Putin has previously called such accusations “nonsense,” accusing EU leaders of using Russia as a pretext to expand defense budgets.
Power Struggle Within EU Institutions
The clash reflects growing institutional friction within the EU, particularly over the balance of power between the Commission and the Parliament. Legal experts suggest that if Metsola follows through with her threat, it could set a precedent for challenging the Commission’s use of emergency powers for major financial and defense policies.
The European Parliament and EU member states must still formally approve the Commission’s broader 'Readiness 2030' initiative. However, with national elections approaching in several member states and internal divisions deepening, debate over the legal foundation and democratic oversight of the plan is expected to intensify