Germany’s decision to allow the country to significantly increase its defence spending is perhaps the most symbolic example of European countries shifting their approach to defence. Earlier this month, the German Bundestag passed a law that will exempt spending on defence and security from the country’s strict debt rules, allowing the creation of a €500 billion (£418 billion) infrastructure fund.
It comes as nations across Europe are reconfiguring defence plans in the wake of a shifting attitude from the new US administration that has warned Europe of the need to “step up”. Friedrich Merz, the soon-to-be German Chancellor, said: “The decision we are taking today… can be nothing less than the first major step towards a new European defence community. Germany’s history of being the aggressor in Europe has shaped the country’s military mindset in the post-war era. So what do you think? Vote in our poll and join the debate in the comments section. Can’t see the poll below? Click here
For decades, the country invested modestly in its Armed Forces, wary of militarisation.
Despite high levels of investment by modern-day standards during the Cold War, defence spending fell to 1.1% in 2005 and only rose to meet the NATO threshold of 2% in 2024.
Markus Ziener of the German Marshall Fund in Berlin said: “We started two world wars. Even though it’s 80 years since World War Two ended, the idea that Germans should stay out of conflict is still very much in many people’s DNA.”
German media outlets have described the decision to allow enhanced investment in the military as a “day of destiny,” allowing one of the continent’s biggest economies to build a military to match.
The country labelled the invasion of Ukraine as “Zeitenwende”, roughly translated as “turning point”, highlighting the way in which the nation was shaken from its post-Berlin wall slumber.
Arguably, the moment was the start of the journey that led the country to develop a fund that would provide one of the most significant transformations to its Armed Forces in 90 years.
The mindset would be further transformed if a return to national service was instigated, as some senior officers have claimed is necessary.
Like the UK, the country is in the midst of a recruitment crisis, having recently missed its target of 20,000 troops welcomed into the ranks.
Gen Carsten Breuer has said publicly that he believes a return to national service is vital if the nation is to raise the troops it requires to deter the threat of war in Europe.
It remains to be seen what format this might take, with Gen Breuer saying: “We don’t have to determine now what model brings them. For me it’s only important that we get the soldiers in.”