In Brussels, IMF European Department deputy director Oya Celasun said postponing billions in repayments would help free funds for defence and infrastructure.
The endorsement supports French President Emmanuel Macron's push to ease near-term budget pressure as Europe seeks higher spending on shared priorities.
The IMF framed the move as a way to finance European public goods, signalling support for shifting fiscal room from pandemic-era obligations to current strategic investment.
Is delaying EU debt for defense a smart move for security or a dangerous gamble with the bloc's financial stability?
Could turning Covid recovery funds into a defense budget create a permanent EU fiscal union by default?