At the recent European Union summit held at the medieval Alden Biesen Castle in Belgium, EU heads of state and government faced another setback in their plans to enhance Europe’s competitiveness and find a way out of the ongoing crisis. The discussions were aimed at addressing pressing economic issues, but attendees were met with staunch resistance from Germany’s Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, who once again rejected the proposal for issuing common debt as a means to finance development and bolster the EU's collective defense initiatives.

Chancellor Merz’s firm position highlighted the German government’s constraints, stemming from the country's constitutional court, which has placed clear limits on public spending. He explicitly stated, "I will not agree to fund EU projects through euro bonds," emphasizing that even if he were inclined to support such a measure, legal restrictions would prevent him from doing so. This underscores an ongoing tension within the EU regarding financial mechanisms necessary for growth and stability, particularly amidst calls for collective action in times of crisis.

The discourse surrounding joint debt issuance signifies deeper ideological divides among member states, particularly those like Greece that are pushing for more flexible fiscal policies to stimulate their economies. As Germany stands firm on its