The question of trust in Russian President Vladimir Putin is met with skepticism across Europe, notably highlighted by German Brigadier-General Ralf Hammerstein’s rhetorical query. As the United States aims to broker a resolution to the Ukraine conflict—potentially favouring Moscow over Kyiv—European nations are increasingly reassessing their military capabilities.
Germany, in particular, is undergoing a significant military transformation after years of underinvestment. Incoming Chancellor Friedrich Merz is seizing the moment to revive military spending to levels not seen since the Cold War, following a reform that allows the government to allocate billions towards the Bundeswehr, the country’s armed forces. Estimates suggest that with an annual investment of 3.5% of GDP, Germany could see military expenditure reaching €600 billion over the next decade.
The urgency of this reform was underscored during joint NATO exercises in central Germany, where Hammerstein affirmed the necessity for Germany to be a responsible partner in European defence. The full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 marked a pivotal shift for the continent, ending a long-standing period of détente and prompting a German military renaissance termed “Zeitenwende,” or “turning point.” Former Chancellor Olaf Scholz initiated a €100 billion fund for military investment and amended the constitution to facilitate this financial injection, although the implementation has faced challenges.
Looking forward, Merz is keen on accelerating these reforms, acknowledging the need to adapt to a rapidly changing global security landscape. He remarked on the historical complacency regarding security within German society, signalling a fundamental shift in defence policy is imminent.
Germany’s military spending as a percentage of GDP has plummeted over the years, dipping to an all-time low of 1.1% in 2005. It only recently met NATO’s threshold of 2% for the first time in thirty years, a clear indication of its returning commitment to collective defence.
Despite Merz’s aspirations, challenges remain. A recent parliamentary report confirmed that the Bundeswehr is grappling with recruitment difficulties, an aging workforce, and inadequate infrastructure—highlighting the need for €67 billion in urgent infrastructure investments. The force’s current personnel count falls short of target, further stressing the need for new strategies, including potentially reinstating mandatory military service.
Notably, public sentiment in Germany appears to be shifting positively toward military expansion, with polls indicating a majority support for increased defence spending. As concerns over security grow, the general population’s evolving perception reflects a broader acceptance of military investment as crucial to national and European stability.