EIB to finance defence expenses: Italy, 13 EU countries

(ANSA) - BELGRADE, MAR 18 - Several EU member states, including Sweden, Italy, Finland, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, and Romania, stated in a letter to the President of the European Council Charles Michel, the Belgian Presidency of the EU, and the EIB that they "share the view that European Investment Bank financing for security and defence is consistent with new EU priorities." The letter states, "We must investigate various options that would enable the EIB to invest in defense-related activities beyond its current dual-use projects. " (ANSA).