On 10 April 2025, the Fiscal Council received a request from the Government to prepare an opinion on the occurrence of exceptional circumstances that would allow the activation of the national escape clause. The basis for assessing the occurrence of exceptional circumstances or determining the activation of the national escape clause is the Fiscal Rule Act and EU Regulation 2024/1263. EU Member States are expected to collectively request the European Council and the Council of the EU to activate the national escape clause by the end of April 2025. The escape clause is expected to allow an increase in defence spending of up to 1.5% of GDP compared to the base year 2021 in all years during which the escape clause will be activated. A clear definition and targeted defence spending will be essential for the proper conduct of fiscal policy in the period of exceptional circumstances. The Fiscal Council emphasises that, even with increased defence spending, it will be crucial to ensure medium-term fiscal sustainability.