I think the wording is bad but in basic terms, this is the European equivalent of offering a stocks and shares ISA to EU citizens (as we have in the UK and which our current government is trying to push more of us into (i.e. eventually killing off the cash ISA). It has the potential for making returns on investments but without the tax breaks like the UK offers. The idea is that it’s a unified system across the union but it’s going to be a mess regulatory-wise as each EU country applies its own unique tax rates and incentives for its citizens. Where you’re resident will also add complexity. It will be up to the EU citizen if they want to invest, but once they do, they should expect their money to be at risk on the stock market as well as used for defence etc.