Yesterday at 19:21
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has called for an increase in the country’s defense budget by at least 30 billion euros in the medium term. This initiative is related to the growing threat from Russia, NATO requirements, and expected pressure from US President-elect Donald Trump.
As Pistorius noted in an interview with Tagesschau, Germany will need at least 85 billion euros to ensure the country’s defense capability from 2028 onwards, which is 30 billion more than the current budget. In 2022, Germany allocated about 52 billion euros for defense, which is about 2% of GDP, including the Bundeswehr’s special modernization fund.
Pistorius also said that to really strengthen defense, the country should strive to spend up to 3% of GDP on military needs, which would mean about 120 billion euros at the current level of the economy.
The minister emphasized the importance of long-term planning. “We need a roadmap for ten years ahead, which will take into account modern technologies, artificial intelligence, drones and other advanced weapons systems. In the coming years, defense investments should reach 130-150 billion euros,” Pistorius said.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte recently emphasized that Allies should reconsider their commitment to defense spending in light of new challenges. Donald Trump, who is returning to the presidency, insists that NATO allies should spend 5% of GDP on military needs.
However, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has already rejected this requirement, saying it is excessive for European economies.
