Germany’s military spending has long been a topic of debate, with critics pointing to decades of underinvestment. However, under Presumptive Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the country is shifting its focus towards strengthening its armed forces.
Merz recently passed a major reform to Germany’s constitutional debt brake, unlocking billions of euros in funding for the Bundeswehr. The plan aims to increase military spending to 3.5% of GDP over a 10-year period, equivalent to €600 billion ($652 billion). This move is seen as a significant shift away from the country’s recent history of low military expenditure.
German Brig. Gen. Ralf Hammerstein, who attended training exercises with CNN, believes that Germany has a capable nation image and must step up its defense commitments. “We are a responsible partner in Europe and a big nation,” he said. “We have to step up, and we will do that.”
The plan comes amid concerns about the Bundeswehr’s aging fighting force and infrastructure issues. A recent report by the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Armed Forces highlighted the need for increased investment in barracks, basic infrastructure, and recruitment targets.
To address these concerns, Merz has proposed introducing a period of military service, which was previously abolished in 2011. This move aims to increase the number of personnel in the Bundeswehr. Hammerstein emphasized that while money is important, it’s not the only factor – Germany already has a solid foundation for its defense.
Public opinion on the matter appears to be shifting, with a recent survey finding that 66% of respondents believe it’s right to increase spending on defense and the Bundeswehr. This shift in national psyche could mark a significant turning point for German military policy under Merz’s leadership.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/03/23/europe/germany-military-investment-intl/index.html