The Commission, which is the EU’s executive body, has proposed allowing member states to raise defence spending by 1.5% of gross domestic product each year for four years without any disciplinary steps that would normally kick in once a deficit is more than 3% of GDP.

In a statement, the Commission said Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia and Slovenia have made requests, and that additional requests are expected at a later stage.

A spokesperson for the Polish presidency of the Council of the EU said that while 12 countries have already applied, four more “will do so shortly.”

The Commission will now assess the requests.

“The Commission will continue to ensure that this flexibility is coordinated and helps EU countries to transit towards higher defence budgets while preserving sound budget policies,” said Valdis Dombrovskis, the bloc’s economy commissioner.